"to the best of his ability"

The BBC faithfully report Gordon Brown's expressions of confidence in Michael Martin as Speaker; apparently

"Gordon Brown told the BBC the Speaker had a "very difficult job" and was doing it "to the best of his ability". "

On this one occasion I must agree with Gordon Brown, I also think that Michael Martin is doing the job of Speaker "to the best of his ability", I just think that his level of ability is somewhat lower than it should be.