Foreign journalists say goodbye to Blair

Tony Blair reflected in a conference media
booth. Photo: Carl de Souza/AFP/Getty
In among the several hundred journalists here in Manchester are dozens of foreign reporters, digesting the end of the Blair era for the rest of the globe.

Their reactions to the depature of the British prime minister reflected one common theme, that while Mr Blair might be unpopular at home, his exit will have repercussions across the globe.

Sebastian Borger, correspondent for the Swiss news magazine Facts, said: "The lame duck turned into a dying swan. It was a very statesmanlike speech which pulled the heartstrings. There will be people in that hall w ho wonder now if it was a good idea to get rid of him."

Conferences / UK politics