What a laugh SIR - I must respond to the letter "simply the best" by Ian Slater (T&A, July 3).

I could not stop myself from bursting with laughter when I read it.

If he thinks Mr Blair was so passionate about this country why then did he spend so much time in other countries being more concerned about their affairs?

Mr Slater also points out that Mr Blair always listened to the people.

That's a laugh, when did he ever listen? Evidently clear when he took us to war in Iraq despite objections from the people.

The only thing Mr Blair was gifted in was spin and how to manipulate his own party and the public - a very dangerous politician in my view.

As for Mr Blair's achievements and putting the great back into Britain, please don't make me laugh.

R Halliday, Crag Road, Shipley