Jaw-jaw is better than war-war — if it’s well-mannered

International affairs would go more smoothly if leading politicians had better manners. It must be said that Tony Blair sets a good example in this respect. He is one of the most courteous men I have come across in public life and shows up his European colleagues, on the whole an ill-bred lot. During the recent acrimonious summit in Brussels he never once lost his temper or showed signs of irritation, though much provoked, and at his press briefing declined to engage in personal jibes, indeed kept his remarks deliberately impersonal in true diplomatic fashion. This was in notable contrast to the petulant performance of Jacques Chirac, a rude and peevish person even by current low Gallic standards (perhaps his sidekick de Villepin who, though frivolous, has a touch of ton, should give him a few lessons in public deportment). The German, Schröder, is even more oafish — a pity since Germany’s post-war leaders, until recently, have been notably polite.