Today we are greeted with the side-splitting news of a memo drafted by Tony Blair’s advisers setting out his exit plans. Part of his whirlwind farewell tour will include jolly japes with the Blue Peter crew and some pious posturing on Songs of Praise. Thanks to Iain Dale typing up the memo, I am now up to speed with Our Dear Leader’s exit plans.
Yet again, I have cause to marvel at the shamelessness and total lack of self-awareness of Blair and his people.
Two sentences stand out for me:
“He needs to go with the crowds wanting more. He should be the star who won’t even play that last encore.”
Not bloody likely now, this scenario. Not when we have former lackeys like Chris Bryant calling for his departure.
Then, of course, there is the classic line:
“His genuine legacy is not the delivery, important though that is, but the dominance of New Labour ideas … the triumph of Blairism.”
One sentence that properly encapsulates everything we know about this shabby, discredited Government and its charlatan leader.
September 5th, 2006 at 2:27 pm
I think Charles Clarke is a man with a mission now and will have lots to do with this.
September 5th, 2006 at 3:11 pm
Very good point you make there, Ellee. I hadn’t thought of that. It would appear that even the rumoured letters asking him to go must be co-ordinated by someone high up. Gordon Brown is lying low, and it’s probably not him. Who could be so bitter as to have a hand in this?
Step forward, Charlie baby.
Then again, he’s probably not the only one who wants to see the back of Bambi.
September 5th, 2006 at 3:56 pm
Slightly interesting news today. How do you think the upcoming conference will fare?
September 5th, 2006 at 4:15 pm
Mike, I predict the atmosphere will be terrible.
This reminds me of the situation shortly before Iain Duncan Smith was deposed by Conservative MPs. The mood at conference that year (2003) was dreadful. I think Michael Portillo described the general mood as ‘horrible’ and ‘dejected’.
Compared to the upcoming Labour Conference, the 2003 Tory Party Conference will feel like a kiddies’ birthday party, complete with bouncy castle and lots of jollity.
Dark clouds are gathering, and for the first time in a long while, the Conservatives are mere spectators. Brilliant news. Pop corn and fizzy drinks all round.
September 6th, 2006 at 11:37 am
And Bel, what do you think of Michael Gove’s comments today re bloggers which I have written about?
September 6th, 2006 at 11:50 am
Hi Ellee, thanks for alerting me! I am going over to your blog to check that out. I have been away from the computer all day.
September 6th, 2006 at 4:31 pm
Bel, thank you for your excellent insightful comments re Michael Gove. And yes, if only Blair had gone at the right time with the “crowds wanting more”, I bet he wishes he could turn the clock back. I’m sure he wants to stay on longer because he feels he has more to do, but he has had his time and people are not happy with what he delivered and now want a change - soon.