BLAIR’S EXIT

On the 27^th of June, Tony Blair will step down as the UK Premier and will usher in Gordon Brown.

Blair’s tenure has been one of mixed fortunes if I could say that. He led the party to an unprecedented three landslide election victories. He has also put UK in the world map as a player that can’t be ignored thanks to his dalliances with Bush across the Atlantic. In as much as their war on terror failed even before it started, one can’t fault him for inaction. But as they say, action doesn’t necessarily translate to motion. Methinks the war on terror is far from being won. I can’t even touch on their Iraq misadventure it is all out there for all to see, what with his ‘sexed up’ report on WMD’s!

UK’s new Premier for the time being will be Gordon Brown. A workaholic, as they say and one who has seen UK firmly out of the euro currency to retain its Pound. He has also worked out the economy to the satisfaction of the Brits and applause comes in from the World Bank also.

Blair’s effort t bringing attention to Africa endeared him to Africa and the proponents of the African cause as he named The Africa Commission while describing it as ‘a scar on the world’s conscience.’ We in Africa hope that this part of his legacy will be part and parcel of the incoming Premier even after elections.

He is also a lesson to our ‘leaders’ here in Africa. To Kibaki – To honour MOU’s as a sign of being a gentleman and to others that you can only lead for so long. He put well when he said ‘…. The only way to conquer the pull of power is to set it down.. .’