Tony Blair

[Aussie Bee]

I happened to be in England in May 1997 when he was elected and felt the "feel good" effect of "new labour"

Out of 10 how do you rate his time in number 10?

I would say from here - taking in mind I have been over 3 times to the old country since then as disappointing.

I have always believed all politicians are the same - red or blue - all **** - but the changes you see when you visit England every few years is amazing.

Forget the iraqi war if you can - England HAD to get involved in that to keep NATO valid - but think about other stuff - like Eastern European bar staff, high public transport costs, no police etc

anyway for what its worth from an exile - 6.5 - at least he got UK moving economically again and kept interest rates low - or did he?

Discuss!

[Sweepy Bee]

Originally Posted by Aussie Bee

I happened to be in England in May 1997 when he was elected and felt the "feel good" effect of "new labour"

Out of 10 how do you rate his time in number 10?

I would say from here - taking in mind I have been over 3 times to the old country since then as disappointing.

I have always believed all politicians are the same - red or blue - all **** - but the changes you see when you visit England every few years is amazing.

Forget the iraqi war if you can - England HAD to get involved in that to keep NATO valid - but think about other stuff - like Eastern European bar staff, high public transport costs, no police etc

anyway for what its worth from an exile - 6.5 - at least he got UK moving economically again and kept interest rates low - or did he?

Discuss!

I'll give him an 8. He loses 1pt for Iraq and 1pt for sinking billions into the NHS for negligible return.

Until this week I wasn't that happy with the job he had done, but having reflected on it he didn't smash the country to pieces like Thatcher did. Also, listening to the t*$$ers on TalkSport laying into Blair at every opportunity has pushed me to a "leave the poor bloke alone" frame of mind.

[DanniBee]

I'd give him 6.5/7. Definitely a feel good factor when he came to power but Iraq and meddling in Public Services (education, in particular - what real rise has there been in standards?) have tarnished his reputation. Have to say, for me, that his biggest achievement (along with others, most notably the late Mo Mowlem) has been Northern Ireland.