OPINION> Mark Hughes
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OPINION> Mark Hughes
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Been there, done that but looking for more
By Mark Hughes (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-08-28 08:01
Does Tony Blair's posturing on the world stage betray his presidential ambitions? I had the privilege of interviewing the former British prime minister last week in the pleasant surroundings of the Grand Hyatt Hotel near Wanfujing in Beijing. It is 17 years since I last spoke to Blair, when he was an opposition member of parliament in a failed election bid for power, so it was an interesting opportunity to identify any changes in his character and personality. First up, he seemed rather diminished in stature. Obviously older, grayer and more gaunt than the almost choirboy-like, bright-eyed character I met when he was a mere 39-year-old, he appeared to have lost the drive that made him the only Labour Party leader to have won three consecutive terms of office. Interestingly, he made the point to me that the days of being prime minister for three terms were now over. Although he didn't elaborate, I suspect that what he was alluding to was the fact that the two main parties in British politics have moved so close to the central ground that their policies are almost interchangeable and that the slightest unfortunately-timed economic hiccup would persuade the fickle electorate to switch allegiance to the opposition at the next election. Given the parlous state of the world economy, that would result in a seesaw effect between those who hold the reins of power. If this analysis is correct it would point to a certain hubris in Mr Blair, who kept the UK's population guessing for a year about the time of his departure. It is said he wanted to exceed Margaret Thatcher's duration in power and now it seems he also wanted to go down in history as the last premier to boast a triple victory. But that is now history and what next for the still spry 56-year-old? His role as a Middle East envoy has not exactly set the world on fire or, more accurately, extinguished the flames convulsing the Palestinian question. Now he has environmental envoy to add to his curriculum vitae. But, as I mentioned, he seemed to be going through the motions without the zeal with which he steered his government for 10 years. Losing power does have its psychological consequences. I recall when former Australian prime minister Bob Hawke made way for a successor, he became, briefly, a reporter for an Australian television network. Not long into his job, he was door-stepping Margaret Thatcher outside her official residence in London with a pack of other journalists. He shouted out his question, no doubt in the expectation that he might receive special treatment given that he had shared many an official banquet with the "Iron Lady". However, she appeared not to recognize him, possibly regarding him with the disdain she shared for all the other "reptiles". The look on Hawke's face was a picture and he packed in his journalistic ambitions not long after. Blair is said to be obsessed with his legacy. He told me that putting climate change on the agenda of the G8 had been a crowning glory for him, and it is something in which he has found a role for the future. He declined to discuss his legacy beyond those parameters, perhaps confirming that he is still working on his wider contribution to world affairs. So what ambitions remain elusive for this man who ordered British troops into battle five times in his first six years in office and who brought about the agreement that ended the cycle of terrorist bombings and shootings in Northern Ireland and the British mainland? Critics argue that when he was in power he acted more like a head of state and a president rather than a prime minister and a head of government. Perhaps he still possesses presidential aspirations. And what remains around the next political corner in Europe? Why, the opportunity to become the first semi-permanent president of the European Union. With his ongoing international status assured, would it be too presumptuous to say it's already in the bag? (China Daily 08/28/2009 page9) |
