Tony Blair: Exemplary Leader

On Thursday, British Prime Minister Tony Blair announced his resignation. Officially, he will depart June 27. “I’ve been prime minister of this country for just over 10 years,” Blair said. “I think that’s long enough, not only for me, but also for the country and sometimes the only way you conquer the pull of power is to set it down.”

During his tenure, Blair introduced the minimum wage. He also increased public education and healthcare spending. He raised higher education tuition fees. He commenced Scotland and Wales home rule. He facilitated peace in Northern Ireland. His defining decision was British engagement in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Blair’s legacy is secure. He was a sterling leader. Amidst descent and disparagement, Blair was principled. Intelligence and resolve directed his decisions. Criticism and character assassination were ignored. In this phony era, Blair was genuine. This was his defining quality.