* Tony Blair jumped into the marriage versus other valid lifestyles debate by saying the problem was not one of marriage but of failing parents, presumably this is Tone's way of alluding to Ms Thatcher's great creation the english underclass. He doesn't refer to it directly for some reason, most likely because its got worse under his watch as has social mobility which is now at a standstill (what can you expect from a thatcherite public school boy who promotes his public school friends like Lord Faulkner a sure fire match for 'Dim but Nice'. However not so dim that he can be pinned down.)
Tony has now found a new rule which is 'anything I say three times is true.' Which is irritating but fails to work on anybody as he is p**sing off soon and won't be staying on as a backbench MP. This is because as soon as he becomes an ex-PM every MP will be able to tell him what they think with impunity.
No news as to whether he's fixed himself up with job or whether he'll have to meander on the speaking circuit earning pots of money.
Listening to the radio I was astonished to hear that Cherie Blair will be giving a Lent talk on radio 4. I suppose she will be covering avarice.

* I have read 'Under the Volcano' (see depressing books below) it is definitely more depressing than 'The Mayor of Casterbridge' in fact it leaves Tom Hardy standing. However, to really appreciate this book you need to have experienced a two week bender on the booze with 'hair of dog' on waking excess. If you are familiar with this scenario then you will know exactly where the main character is. The punchline is indeed devastating. This is a major *** (three star) suicide read. This tale starts at the bottom and slides into the pit, thoroughly recommended and extremely well written.