and good riddance.

In what has been called the world's worst kept secret, Mr. B-liar announced his decision to step down today. As one of his fellow spinnakers, the equally unctuous Mr. Peter Mandelstam, the former Minister of the Dome, rhetorically asked in a TV docu-appreciation: "Why has Mr. Blair become so unpopular?"

Why? Let's see now. How about leading his country into an unnecessary war, under cover of deliberate lies and false pretences, in which hundreds of thousands, the vast majority of them innocent, have died? For what reason is still uncertain. It is difficult to believe he gave a tinkers for the welfare of the people of Iraq. To make his mark on history? To look Churchillian? To affirm his loyalty to the US special relationship? If the latter, he was reminded in no uncertain terms by President Bush as to who was the junior partnership in the relationship, whenever he looked like stepping out of line. As for the theory that he exerted a moderating effect on US policy, the idea is risible.

In what way then, should his deserved fate be different from that of Saddam Hussain?

Anyway, in the next few days his 'legacy' is going to be commentated and picked over in paralysing detail. Leave your radio and TV off for a week and get a life.

Regarding his 'legacy', as far as the transformation of the image of Britain, the country does not seem, on my occasional visits, to be all that different from the 90's. There are differences, in that it is virtually impossible now for a young person ever to afford to buy a house. The standard of the National Health service is as dire as ever. Yes, Britain won the Olympics, but with costs now ascending to truly galactic proportions. Britain's expanding economy and industry? In what area, apart from that of on-line gambling and super-casinos?

Did anyone notice the vehicle parked outside the hall where Mr. Blair was making his farewells? Yes, a nice white BMW. There was no remaining British-made car in which he could make his getaway. Enough said.