How can we persuade our former Prime Minister, Tony Blair, to devote a little more time to making money for himself and rather less time for his many charitable concerns? There is only so much a man should be expected to give, especially after a lifetime of public service.
We have forgotten too quickly, I think, that he gave of himself — relentlessly and for a pittance — when he led this country for more than decade. It seems that now he is unable to get out of the habit and I am worried that he may well end up in penury, unless we can get the message across to him: Tony, just for once, think of yourself. Or if you can’t do that, at least think of Cherie. It is loathsome to think that this remarkable woman might be forced one day to take in washing, or to offer herself as au pair, just to help make ends meet. But that’s the way things are going.
Mr Blair has stated on several occasions that ‘two thirds’ of his present work is done ‘pro bono’. This is nothing to do with that talented and likeable chap who sings for the pop group U2 and who also, of course, gives of himself to charitable concerns far too readily and with little thought for himself. No: it means, apparently, ‘for free’.
I have been worried about Mr Blair’s finances for a while now, but these fears were heightened when the newspapers reported his latest tax bill. Apparently he generated wealth in excess of twelve million pounds — but, as he has explained, two thirds of this seems to have been spent in some typically selfless, if mysterious, fashion, because he paid only £315,000 in tax.
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