7th October 2005

Whether David Drew did or did not call for Tony Blair to resign is now somewhat academic. We all know he is going to quit. The time David could have made some difference was just prior to the invasion of Iraq or better still even before the Afghanistan war. Both of these acts were completely illegal and in reality Blair should now be before the International Court, charged with crimes against humanity. However his demise will be welcomed by all those who believe in a strong public service provision and in a social rather than a market driven economy.

Even with Cherie by his side Tony must know that the game is up and he must be contemplating his future career options. Obviously he would love to be President, continuing his strutting around the world preaching, in his self righteous way the virtues of neo-conservatism without any little troubles from Parliament. One problem of course maybe Buck House!.

A far better option and one that is a dead winner is to offer his talents to the Tories thus avoiding a leadership contest. Certainly his credentials are impeccable, a great admirer of Lady Thatcher whose policies he has relentlessly pursued since 1997. If that isn't convincing enough then a letter from George, as in "God made me invade Iraq", would put the icing on the cake. Between them they have become masters of the art of manipulating international opinion in perceiving that certain Countries, generally those that produce oil are rogue states that must be liberated for their own (our) good. If all this fails then I would suggest the manager of his local Tescos!

If the remaining Labour stalwarts think that Gordon Brown will be their next savoir then they are clasping at straws. Gordon has consistently supported Blair with his tight centralized control over power. He has pushed harder than anyone else the disastrous private financing of our Hospitals (PFI's), backed to the hilt university fees pushed the expansion of new roads systems and commercial airports at a time when we are now seeing the impact of climatic change. He keeps the war chest topped up at £5million a day for Iraq and refuses to increase taxes on those earning over £100,000.

Cllr. John Marjoram