I've become arrogant, admits Blair

UK news.telegraph ^ | 2/14/2005 | Toby Helm

[GenXFreedomFighter]

Tony Blair admitted yesterday that he became arrogant in his first seven years as Prime Minister as he began a personal campaign to regain the trust of voters in time for the general election.

His admission - dismissed by the Conservatives as fake - came as John Prescott appeared to let slip that the election would be held on May 5, undermining efforts by other ministers to keep the timing secret until April.

Tony Blair: has developed an 'I know best' attitude The Prime Minister told delegates at Labour's spring conference in Gateshead that he had too often "talked at" voters rather than with them and that he had allowed himself to develop an "I know best" attitude.

Striking a deliberately humble tone, he said he had learned over the past year, by going out and discussing issues with the people, how "tough" life was for most of them. He realised that his success as a politician depended on a blend of "listening and learning".

Pursuing the new self-critical approach, he said: "I understand why some people feel angry - not just over Iraq but many of the difficult decisions we have made," he told delegates. "And, as ever, a lot of it is about me."

Liam Fox, the Tory co-chairman, said it was too late for Mr Blair to mend fences with the people.

"Tony Blair has lost touch with Britain and forgotten the priorities of the millions of people who have already given him two chances. Now he says 'I've changed and I'm back' and expects them to give him another chance but people will be very sceptical about his ability to deliver."

Mr Blair likened his relationship with the British people to a marriage in which the husband and wife think regularly of leaving each other. "If you decide you want Mr Howard, that is your choice. If you want to go off with Mr Kennedy, that is your choice too.

"It all ends in the same place: a Tory Government, not a Labour Government. Going back not moving forward."

Mr Blair recognised that he had too often attempted to be "all things to all people" in his early years in office and acknowledged that many Labour supporters believed he had spent too much time on foreign policy and the Iraq war.

During a rallying cry to the party faithful, Mr Prescott dropped the firmest hint yet that the election would be on May 5.

Joking with delegates, he said: "May 5 is the focus of the election date - for the county council elections of course." Then, to thunderous applause, he added: "But if anything else comes along on that date we are ready for it, are we not? Let's get out and campaign to win on that day. Make it a beautiful day."

Labour aides insisted that Mr Prescott had given away nothing. But it was the first time a minister had mentioned May 5 - widely assumed to be the date - in public.

[GenXFreedomFighter]

Tony must not be spending enough time talking to George W. Isn't this the pitfall that the press tried and tried to shame the President into, only to have it rubbed in their faces? Maybe Mr. Blair doesn't want the job anymore.

[EagleUSA]

Politicians are deserving of a little arrogance, IF THEY ARE GOOD AND MAKE POSITIVE THINGS HAPPEN!!! But if similar to Clinton and Carter, they get no arrogance pass...

[dr_who_2]

I thought the press was supposed to wring their hands and heap criticism on themselves. Whoops--I forgot--they do, but they do it for not being arrogant enough.

[Cornpone]

Apology ping...Have some fun...

[Cold Heat]

His admission - dismissed by the Conservatives as fake

LOL!

[Txsleuth]

hm...sorry Tony, that sounds just a little TOO much like a politician---don't think anyone will buy it---

You should run on you certainty of goals set, and met--don't let them see you sweat---that's Texan for never apologize!!!

[Cold Heat]

Maybe Mr. Blair doesn't want the job anymore.

I read something the other day about that.

Rumor is that he said something about leaving if the EU referendum failed or some such.

Sounds like he has put his job on the line. When you do that it usually means you are tired, and would like to go home.

Just a theory, not much else to back this up.

[Txsleuth]

I must admit that I know zilch about the British political system--I don't even know enough about ours, --

But, what is this business about keeping the date of the election SECRET? How crazy is that? Or am I being obtuse, or not reading things right?

[GOPyouth]

British politics is quite interesting. Although my politics and Blair's don't match up, I support him because of his support for the fight against terrorism. I wish the conservatives wouldn't jump on the "Blair lied" campaign. It reminds me too much of the left-wing nutcases that run around America spouting the same mess.

Anybody who studies politics should watch his speech before we went to war with Iraq. I believe it was to the House of Commons. He's probably one of the best speakers I've ever seen/heard.

[stainlessbanner]

It's all the rage.