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Blair backs ‘tough and decent’ Woolas
Reporter: RICHARD HOOTON
Date online: 05 May 2010
TONY Blair returned to campaigning in Oldham in a bid to give Labour an election boost.
The former prime minister told supporters at Denshaw’s Ram’s Head yesterday that the final two days of the campaign trail are vital in convincing voters the party’s policies are best for the country.
Polls show Labour is struggling to stay in power but Mr Blair insisted many people remain undecided and Labour offers the best chance of securing the economic recovery.
Asked by the Evening Chronicle if he was fearful for Labour at Thursday’s election, the ex-leader answered defiantly: “I’m never fearful, it’s not in my personality.”
But he acknowledged: “We have a tough fight on our hands. It’s very tight and everything’s to play for.”
Labour ministers have called for tactical voting in areas they can’t win to keep the Tories out. But Mr Blair dismissed the notion, urging people to “vote for who you believe in”.
Mr Blair, now the Middle East envoy for the US, Russia, the UN and the EU, said that if people compared Lib-Dem and Labour policies he was confident they would back Labour.
His successor Gordon Brown made the right decisions two years ago, when the country was teetering on the brink economically, to leave Britain well placed to recover from the recession, he said.
He added: “The most important thing is we refocus people back on the economy and policies. People will realise it’s about serious decision making. It’s the policies that count. That determines whether the country comes out of recession or not.”
He said he had missed campaigning, adding: “I’m really enjoying it but I’m a bit out of practice. It’s great to go around meeting people. It gives me a lot of heart as I think Labour is doing the right things for them.”
Mr Blair’s comments came after he held a breakfast meeting at the Ripponden Road pub with 30 local business representatives, from firms including Wiggett Construction, Inclusive Technology, Dronsfield Mercedes, Oldham Athletic, Trust Oldham IT technology company, John Saxon Construction and Patterson and Rothwell.
Labour candidate for Oldham East and Saddleworth, Phil Woolas, introduced him as “my political hero and the greatest Prime Minister”, adding: “We have very strong support from the business community.”
Mr Blair said: “It’s a particular pleasure to give Phil my full support. He was a great colleague to work with in the cabinet and one of the toughest and most decent guys I know. I have been campaigning for people who I have worked with in Government, like Phil Woolas, who are fantastic local MPs and have been great in Government.”
The businessmen raised issues including a lack of bank lending and the effect the economic crisis in Greece could have on Britain.
Oldham Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy tackled him about the unfair distribution of football wealth between the Premier League and Football League. Mr Hardy said: “It was a wonderful opportunity to be able to speak to a former Prime Minister, a man who still holds a lot of influence at government level.
“He realises that clubs like Oldham Athletic play an important part in the community and we don’t want to lose any local clubs.”
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Catch up with the candidates at www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/elections/
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Ex-PM touched by statue plan
Kosovan refugee Osman Caka left Mr Blair touched when he told him about his plans to raise £30,000 to build a statue of the former Prime Minister in Kosovo to honour his intervention during the Balkan war.
Mr Caka and his family were among a group of refugees who arrived in Oldham in 1999 after fleeing the Serbian province and were given hot food, new clothing and somewhere to sleep. His son Ilir was killed by Serbian troops.
Mr Caka has previously raised money to create a statue of Mother Theresa of Calcutta at Gorton monastery and to thank Oldhamers for supporting him during his time in need.
Comments
If Latics want to play a bigger part in the community they could start by listening to the ever-dwindling band of loyal supporters.
Tshirts saying 'Not in my name'
Not that Bliar will take any notice, and with his allies (Kirklees council) will soon begin the invasion to liberate the oppressed masses.
Or something like that.
Phil Woolas uses a Lees address in his candidate nomination. Although he has registered this as his main home for expenses, it is nothing of the kind. Mr Woolas lives with his family in his London house that he started buying with a mortgage before he stood for Parliament. He now calls this his second home because he can claim mortgage interest and claim £25-a-day living expenses. Everyone in Oldham has contributed to the huge profit he will make when he sells it. It's a dishonourable disgrace.
Sorry Phil, Hain and Mandelson are your political heroes. It is from them you learned your craft.
Nice to see that Blair is using Oldhamers to promote his achievements for Britain, oh hang on a minute..............
tough and decent with woolas in the same headline?
dont make me laugh!
the only thing he was tough on was the plight of the gurkhas and they have more right than most to live here. at least they've contributed to our country!
unlike our illegal immigrants and even some lazy indiginous brits!
Woolas is tough? Joanna Lumley only had to look at him and he cowered away!As for Blair's ststue, I think the centre of Baghdad would be more appropriate don't you?
"bit out of practice" ...and out of touch as always Bliar. Businesses on your side? So who are the business giants who are backing Cameron then? Minions like Mothercare's boss, BHS boss, Marks & Spencer boss rtc etc ? BUt you are you still living in your own fanasy world. peace envoy? War criminal ? It would be comical if it weren't so tragic for our lads fighting in countries you invaded. Vote 'em out !!
What an honour and privilege to see the former Prime Minister, Tony Blair, in Saddleworth once again. Whether you support his record or disagree with it, he still served this country for just over 10 years in one of the toughest jobs around. A little bit of respect wouldn't go amiss for once.
Oldham Athletic were founder members of the Premier League and as such voted in favour of it and its monopolisation of wealth. Mr Hardy was there at the time. They've got no-one to blame but themselves.
The Watcher is surely on a wind up about Blair?? A multi millionaire thanks to his time in office. Champagne Socialist if ever there was one. Private school educated too, just like the Tories Brown has tried to wage a class war against in his election campaign.
Blair sold this country down the river with more lies than any other Prime Minister.
The Watcher...............
there will always be a place for you in Oldham - It's down at the bottom end on the hospital site on the left after the mortuary - named after various trees - don't worry about the button pad on the door it's for your own safety.
phil woolas is a very good local mp he spends a lot of time in his surgery as i know from personal experiance and i thank him again for all his help in a difficult situation on both the occasions i have asked him for help. i dont like his boss one bit but phil is one of the good guys
Have Your Say
isnt it amazing that one of the guys who for some reason could not see past the end of his nose, and thought it would be a great idea for premiership clubs to keep all tv money to their selves is now crying about unfair distribution of wealth to a religious lunatic
By DARTH @ 05/05/2010 12:45:36