For whilst, like many, the thought of the government being brought to its knees over alleged corrupt practices is one that I dread, it is difficult in the current climate to see how things might turn out differently.

But Blair was impressive on the Today programme, and impressive again at his speech to the NPF yesterday. Neil Kinnock in his interview for the BBC's Straight Talk programme said, amongst other things, that "history will be kind to him", even if the current commentariat are not. And the Observer now say that Blair should be allowed to get on with his job in the absence of any evidence of wrongdoing.

Whenever I hear him or watch him speak, I am reminded of why it is I'm proud that he has been Prime Minister for the past 10 years, and Labour leader for much longer. Over the past couple of days he has appeared, if not felt, entirely at ease as he comes into the final straight of what has indubitably been a long marathon. As a result, I am at ease letting him decide how best to navigate these final few yards.

The braying mass of resurgent Conservatives and other opponents of the current administration (some, indeed, within the Labour movement), and their inchoate din are not quite enough to shake me from my beliefs.

The week ended better for Tony, the party and the government than it began. Let's hope for further amelioration, for as they stand things really can only get better...

From the Observer:

Mr Blair's departure date is roughly known. It may not come soon enough for some, too soon for others. But that is a matter of partisan opinion, not moral imperative. John Yates has been given ample freedom to do his job as a policeman. As long as there is no evidence of wrongdoing, Mr Blair should be allowed the same freedom to get on with his job as elected Prime Minister.

Full article here.