From the copies of his speech distributed beforehand, to the autocue allowing him to look at his audience directly, every precaution was taken to ensure yesterday's National Press Club address was safe and safely received by the faithful.

There were no snorting impersonations of ''Zed in bed'' which livened up his debate with the Liberal leader earlier in the week. But there was an indignant harrumph when he was asked about his temper and an unwitting mention of being leader of the Christmas party.

For the most part, the Chief Minister stuck to his campaign lines.

He touted his party's progressive credentials and attacked the Liberals as inept right-wing conservatives. He promised to fast-track funding for election pledges before Christmas if returned to power without saying what budget impact it could have. He professed to be unaware of the status of one of his candidates, Mike Hettinger, whose campaign funds were frozen after running a series of environmental-themed ads.

Mr Stanhope acknowledged his fallibilities and spoke of his regret for any hurt caused by the ''tough decisions'' he had taken during his term in government.

He also rejected remarks made by Justice Michael Kirby likening the ACT's civil partnerships register to ''registering a dog or a busking licence''.

''We believe that what we have done is achieve a major advance or step and at this stage we satisfy ourselves and are content that we have recognised in a serious and formal way the value of gay partnerships,'' he said.

Mr Stanhope declined to name his worst moment in the job but chose indigenous literacy and numeracy outcomes as his best moment.

It was a considered performance which left no campaign message untouched but few questions answered. Natasha Rudra