A FREQUENT criticism of politicians is that they don't give straight answers to difficult questions.

It is ironic, therefore, that David Cameron should find himself at the centre of controversy for doing just that: giving a straight, honest answer to the question about whether he would stand for a third term.

But, in giving that answer, there is no doubt that he has created complications for himself and the Conservative Party.

Had he dismissed the question by saying no more than he was concentrating on winning a second term, no one would have batted an eyelid. That part of the BBC's cosy interview with the Prime Minister at home may well have ended up on the cutting room floor.

Instead, he has given the Labour Party bullets to fire about his alleged arrogance and for taking victory in May's election for granted. Remember, this is not a first term Prime Minister with the security of a Thatcher or a Blair. It is a Prime Minister who scraped into power without an overall majority.

Now, whatever the result in May, Mr Cameron cannot realistically serve a full second term of five more years as Prime Minister. Having ruled himself out for a third term, his successor would surely have to be given time to bed into the role before fighting an election in 2020.

Publicly, Mr Cameron's allies are talking down the third term controversy and praising him for his frankness.

Privately, they will surely be wondering why, with just 44 days to go to polling day, their leader chose to create such an unnecessary distraction.