Fiolar . . you actually confirm my view of Major as a decent guy who was destroyed by his party . . that's the problem with "compromise" candidates. The fact that his style of management was more appropriate to a delicate task like running a country is, of course, of no significance . . . You can only govern (be it a nation or a political party) by the consent of the governed (even if in the UK that consent is largly through apathy).

As for withdrawll from the ERM - that was a consequence of our havind entered it at a stupid and unsustainable rate; that wasn't Major's fault.

As for "Thank God for Tony Blair" - as others have pointed out, he's an admirer of Thatcher - and I, for one, see NO clear differnce between the pair of them. Both are more interested in self-seeking than service to the nation. Yes, I realise that's a quaintly old-fashioned notion. As is honesty.

In terms of personal qualities Major is leagues ahead of Thatcher or Blair. He couldn't pull the Tory party together . . neither could Haigh (who was not averse to banging heads together . . ) simply because the party was/is in self-destruct mode. Which since their philosophy values, above all, personal achievement at whatever cost to everyone else, is hardly surprising.

And, Fiolar, with race riots AGAIN, repressive action against refugees, continued destruction of the Education system, worship of "private sector" management skills, ridiculous courts, an increasing rift between rich and poor, areas of the country where the police claim they can't maintain the law, a fundamentally dishonest press and a Government which isn't prepared to do ANYTHING more difficult than follow the line of least resistance . . do you REALLY call this a DECENT society? I'm sorry, but I don't.

Thank heavens for Mudcat!!

G.