What exactly is your job, the reporter persisted.

"I just want to know if the trip will have any practical scientific value," the reporter persisted, a bit red-faced.

If it is so simple, the reporters persisted, why not give just a simple answer?

But reporters persisted: Wasn't he also campaigning for the Presidency?

But a reporter persisted: Do you know how many were on the plane?

What about the looks department, the reporter persisted.

"The Gazette heard that you might take charge," persisted the reporter.

The reporter persisted, "You know it's customary to kiss on both cheeks, right?"

"Clarendon seemed to think there was," persisted the reporter.

Another reporter persisted, "But can't you answer our questions?"