01/09/2010
Blair: Brown Was 'Maddening'
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that his successor Gordon Brown could be "maddening".
Mr Blair makes the comment in his memoirs, entitled A Journey, which are published today.
In extracts of the book published in The Guardian, Mr Blair described Mr Brown as having no political feelings or emotional intelligence: "Political calculation, yes. Political feelings, no. Analytical intelligence, absolutely. Emotional intelligence, zero."
However, Mr Blair did acknowledge Mr Brown's strengths, describing him as "strong, capable and brilliant".
He concluded, however, that Mr Brown's premiership "was going to be a disaster" unless he had followed along New Labour lines.
In the book, which took three years to write, Mr Blair also spoke about the Iraq war, saying that although he felt "desperately sorry" for the relatives of those who lost their lives in the conflict, he still believed that leaving Saddam Hussein in power was a "bigger risk" than removing him.
A spokesperson for Mr Brown said that he would not be commenting on Mr Blair's book.
(KMcA/GK)
Mr Blair makes the comment in his memoirs, entitled A Journey, which are published today.
In extracts of the book published in The Guardian, Mr Blair described Mr Brown as having no political feelings or emotional intelligence: "Political calculation, yes. Political feelings, no. Analytical intelligence, absolutely. Emotional intelligence, zero."
However, Mr Blair did acknowledge Mr Brown's strengths, describing him as "strong, capable and brilliant".
He concluded, however, that Mr Brown's premiership "was going to be a disaster" unless he had followed along New Labour lines.
In the book, which took three years to write, Mr Blair also spoke about the Iraq war, saying that although he felt "desperately sorry" for the relatives of those who lost their lives in the conflict, he still believed that leaving Saddam Hussein in power was a "bigger risk" than removing him.
A spokesperson for Mr Brown said that he would not be commenting on Mr Blair's book.
(KMcA/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 May 2003
Short calls on Blair to stand down
The former International Development secretary Clare Short has called on Prime Minister Tony Blair to stand down as she launched another broadside against Number 10.
Short calls on Blair to stand down
The former International Development secretary Clare Short has called on Prime Minister Tony Blair to stand down as she launched another broadside against Number 10.
05 March 2004
Brown may be in running for top job at IMF
The chancellor Gordon Brown could be in line to take over as head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), according reports in the Guardian newspaper today.
Brown may be in running for top job at IMF
The chancellor Gordon Brown could be in line to take over as head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), according reports in the Guardian newspaper today.
06 May 2004
Scarlett selected as MI6 boss
John Scarlett, the chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee, has been named as the next spy boss at MI6. Mr Scarlett, who gave evidence to the Hutton Inquiry in his capacity as JIC chairman, was in charge of producing the pre-war dossier on weapons of mass destruction for the government.
Scarlett selected as MI6 boss
John Scarlett, the chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee, has been named as the next spy boss at MI6. Mr Scarlett, who gave evidence to the Hutton Inquiry in his capacity as JIC chairman, was in charge of producing the pre-war dossier on weapons of mass destruction for the government.
10 January 2005
Rumours grow over 'gulf' between Blair and Brown
Reports are still continuing to surface regarding the alleged deepening rift between Prime Minister, Tony Blair and his Chancellor, Gordon Brown. A new book by 'Sunday Times' journalist, Robert Peston, has claimed that Mr Blair reneged on a pledge to step down before the next general election, leaving the way clear for Mr Brown.
Rumours grow over 'gulf' between Blair and Brown
Reports are still continuing to surface regarding the alleged deepening rift between Prime Minister, Tony Blair and his Chancellor, Gordon Brown. A new book by 'Sunday Times' journalist, Robert Peston, has claimed that Mr Blair reneged on a pledge to step down before the next general election, leaving the way clear for Mr Brown.
23 February 2012
Cherie Blair Latest To Sue News International
Cherie Blair, the former Labour leaders wife, has become the latest person to begin legal proceedings against News of the World owners, News International.
Cherie Blair Latest To Sue News International
Cherie Blair, the former Labour leaders wife, has become the latest person to begin legal proceedings against News of the World owners, News International.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with further outbreaks of rain this morning, heavy at times, especially over north Antrim. Becoming drier and brighter this afternoon with sunny spells and a few showers. Winds becoming light. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Further showers this evening, some heavy, especially in the east, dying out early tonight. Then mainly dry with clear periods developing, leading to a touch of frost and icy patches. Minimum temperature -1 °C.