Past PMs Have Been Given Far More Than Blair Has

There has been an outcry over the honour bestowed upon the ex-Labour leader (Zuma Wire/Shutterstock)

- Sean O' Grady

Usually, it is the people prime ministers or the palace nominate for honours – cronies, relatives, crooks, some falling into all three categories – that stoke the controversies. Tony Blair knows that very well, because in 2007 he was questioned twice at No 10 by police officers during a previous “cash for honours” scandal (no further action taken, mind you).

Now it is Sir Tony Blair KG, as he will soon be styled, member of the most noble order of the garter, who is the centre of attention. Though you never know, it does seem that almost 15 years after leaving office the offer of a knighthood came as a genuine surprise to the still-sprightly former Labour leader – but he welcomed it all the same, and in gracious terms. It was much less pleasing news for his many critics, arraigned against him on the right and the left. With scarcely a pause, smartphones and keyboards were commandeered and the words “Iraq”, “war criminal” and “Bliar” attached themselves predictably enough once again at the very mention on social media of his name.