PM Brown: 'I don't get hurt anymore'

LONDON, April 10 (UPI) -- British Prime Minister Gordon Brown tells The Times in London, "I don't get hurt any more" by personal criticism.

In an interview published Saturday, Brown tells The Times, "People are pretty cruel sometimes. I think it does affect you when people say, 'Oh, this guy's got a ... weird smile,' and 'This guy's got something wrong about the way he speaks.'"

The Labor leader says in the interview in the Magazine, "I am not going into this (upcoming) election fearing rejection. I mean, if people decide not to vote for us, I will accept that. I have to accept it, so I will accept it. I do not think I am motivated by the fear of rejection."

Brown told The Times his opponents, the Tories, had invested "huge amounts of money ... and effort" in a "huge personal" attack."

Asked if he enjoys being prime minister, Brown said: "Enjoyment! It is not the first word that you would use," adding he finds politics enjoyable "as long as I feel there are more things to do."

Brown told The Times he still plays the piano and likes Bach but he also plays Beatles' songs, and has a love of poetry.