Why is he leaving?

[anotheoldgit]

Once again we are witness to how hypocritical our politicians really are. I refer of course to Blair's early retirement.

They are not really bothered what they can do for us, only what they can do for themselves. Why do we bother to turn out in all weathers to help them to aquire a nice cushy well paid job, with an equally well paid pension, and perhaps a title at the end to boot, that is until they can see even better pickings on the horizon?

If, as he says he has only the British people at heart, and is always ready to tell us of all the advantages this country has enjoyed under the New Labour Party, (led by him), and that he is constantly working towards a better Britain, with peace and prosperity for all it's peoples, then I have to ask, why is he now leaving? When he has so many more years left in him, to carry out this self-opinionated crusade of his?

Don't get me wrong I am glad as the next that he is going, but I am afraid we have not seen the last of him. I am sure his stupid grinning face will be cropping up on numerous occasions in the future, just to annoy us still further.

[kwicky]

I think when it comes to Iraq or Afghanistan we are in for the long haul. Our last ignominious retreat from Suez 50 years ago had not only ended the career of many but left a legacy of a botched intervention that we would be unlikely to do so for another 50 years. In the recent case many careers, not just Blairs, are on the line.

[Kromovaracun]

In my experience people seem to generally be in favour of Afghanistan. It's Iraq people are (rightly) furious about.

However, I don't think withdrawing is the solution at all. It's not only utterly spineless but also incredibly destructive. Fortunately the US has a decent commander on the ground in Petraeus.

Blair would have likely been remembered okay had it not been for Iraq. And he could've even come out of that better than he did by not lying to the UK's sovereign representative body...

In all honesty, I think it'd be hard for any leader to retain popularity after a decade in office (exempting some of course) - and if the party understands that popularity is slumping, they'll pressure them to leave...

[kwicky]

Krom... I agree. I once suggested that PMs serve a maximum of either 2 terms or 10 years, whatever the greater. If other countries like the USA and Russia have it built into their constitution why should the UK be any different..