The Children of Men

by P.D. James

It must have been a question he’d thought over often enough. Then he turned, walked on, and said: “At first because I thought I’d enjoy it. The power, I suppose. But it wasn’t only that. I could never bear to watch someone doing badly what I knew I could do well. After the first five years I found I was enjoying it less, but by then it was too late. Someone has to do it and the only people who want to are the four round that table. Would you prefer Felicia? Harriet? Martin? Carl? Carl could do it, but he’s dying. The other three couldn’t keep the Council together, let alone the country.” “So that’s why. Disinterested public duty?” “Have you ever known anyone to give up power, real power?” “Some people do.” “And have you seen them, the walking dead? But it’s not the power, not entirely. I’ll tell you the real reason. I’m not bored. Whatever else I am now, I’m never bored.”

This is a really insightful passage. There are some folks in this world who have been at their point of power for 40 years or more. I don't think we have to project more on to their intentions than this right here.