Posted on 09/26/2006 5:27:59 PM PDT by Aussie Dasher
BRITISH Prime Minister Tony Blair has urged his party in an emotional farewell speech to put aside squabbles over who succeeds him and focus on winning Britain's next election.
Mr Blair defended the centrist policies he has followed in nine years in power but said the party had to face up to global challenges such as climate change and terrorism as he gave his last address as leader to the Labour Party's annual conference.
He called for a healing of divisions that rocked the party this month when a rebellion by Labour legislators forced him to pledge to step down within a year.
"The truth is you can't go on forever. That's why it's right that this is my last conference as leader," Mr Blair said.
"I will try to help build a unified party with a strong platform for the only legacy that has ever mattered to me - a fourth term election victory that allows us to keep on changing Britain for the better," he said.
Mr Blair, US President George W. Bush's closest ally in the Iraq war, has been Labour's most successful leader, winning three general elections in a row. The next is expected in 2009.
However, his popularity in the country has waned over his commitment to the US-led Iraq invasion, his policies in the Middle East and his pro-market reforms.
Mr Blair praised finance minister Gordon Brown, his expected successor with whom he has a troubled relationship, but stopped short of endorsing him as future leader.
Mr Brown gave a confident speech yesterday which won over some activists concerned by his poor opinion poll showings against the resurgent Conservatives under new leader David Cameron. He may still face a serious challenge for the leadership.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.com.au ...
Not only is Blair charming, but he has honor and integrity. A blessing to have him on our side in this war on terror.
I will miss Tony.
Mr. Blair has been refreshing. A rare office holder that is willing to stand on his convictions--publicaly and privately.
He is in highly esteemed company. Mr W Churchill was sacked at the conclusion of the war that he, more than any other, had carried his countrymen to victory.
A salute to real men now--like Tony Blair. Hand salute.
He was willing to sacrifice his political career to fight the WOT. A good man.
Who has been more helpful to U.S. in Iraq, and Afghanistan, than Britain?
"Not only is Blair charming, but he has honor and integrity. A blessing to have him on our side in this war on terror."
Yes, he certainly has all of the qualities and more.....I too, was glad that he was an excellent team-player against terrorism and trying to thwort it in the chops along side GWB!!
I'm almost afraid who he will be replaced with!! : (
Interesting dichotomy......the man is a champion of the nanny state but sees the moral imperative of defeating terrorism.
It was an emotional speech. You could hear it in his voice.
Speaking as a brit, for the most part, he has been a great leader, who tried to shift the party away from the left, but in the end, the vile far left n his party have won the day. TYhe idiots don't realise that they have however lost the country.
He's got a few more months before he retires, and unlike mrs t, he will leave with his head held hight.
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