The Blair years

Ten years and eight days after he became prime minister, Tony Blair has finally confirmed, what most of us expected, that he will step down in the summer.

In a week when David Cameron branded his government as the "living dead", he has put an end to uncertainty and has finally seen fit to move on.

It was never meant to end this way, back in 1997 when he became the youngest prime minister since Lord Liverpool, he and the UK was seemingly on the crest of a wave.

The mood was fairly positive in the initial stages when he was swept into Downing Street on a tide of optimism to the tune of "Things can only get better".

He was elected with the promise to restore trust in politics and politicians, as well as transform the ailing services of the country.

I have posted previously about my feelings towards Blair - mainly on account of his failings. But it would be wrong not to highlight some of his successes - which there have been some.

On the plus side you can highlight the national minimum wage, as well as constitutional reform such as devolution in Scotland and Wales and progress in the Northern Ireland peace process amongst the plus points. He has made some headway with the NHS, but not enough to satisfy a number of doubters.

On a personal level, he is the only the Labour prime minister to have won three successive general elections and to have served more than one full consecutive term.

The continuation of the Conservatives spending plans and a continuation of a number of PFI initiatives have certainly not been well received. Though the biggest mistake was to be seen as being too cosy with George Bush in the aftermath of 11 September. Though he seemed to revel in the statesmanlike attention he was receiving, yet failed to understand the reaction he was getting at home.

The military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan - split public opinion and divided his own party - he suffered notable rebellions from the backbenches and within the cabinet. By trying to become a world figure, he increasingly appeared vain and arrogant and out of touch with the domestic issues.

The final months in office have been overshadowed by a police investigation into the alleged sale of honours. Though this is not an isolated instance of sleaze - this unfortunately has been prevalent throughout his time

Blair's valedictory speech today alluded to mistakes but typically he skirted around them and milked the applause for its worth. History will probably view him favourably in the fullness of time.

Sadly things did get better, then they went back to as they where.