I ask for readers’ indulgence, because this is not a post about God, although it does concern a man who very much does “do” God these days — Tony Blair. But I think both the Eurosceptics among NS readers (I’m sure there are some, as it is quite possible to be left-wing and suspicious of the EU, as I have argued elsewhere) and all those who harbour not-so-fond memories of our former PM will enjoy it.
At his monthly press conference yesterday David Cameron addressed the possibility of Blair becoming “president of Europe”. The Tories don’t want such a position to exist. All right then, said the Daily Mail’s Quentin Letts, so what should “the atrocious Blair”, a “former party leader and prime minister in his mid-50s” do?
He is plainly bored. He has energy. Understandably, he does not wish to stay at home with the broomstick jockey. I asked Mr Cameron if he had any suggestions as to what Mr Blair should do with his life? After all, it is not impossible that he, Cameron, might one day be in a similar position. Instead of seeking a role in Brussels, should Mr Blair perhaps become master of an Oxbridge college? Head of a charity?
Mr Cameron replied: ‘I thought he was solving the Middle East. He could continue with that for a bit.’
Ouch!