Why Tony Blair wears that look of virtuous but irritable bafflement

The Prime Minister has long felt an unshakeable conviction that he brings to bear a unique insight into human affairs. There are great schemes to transform society and make a better world which he would undoubtedly accomplish if only circumstances allowed. Sadly they do not. A number of factors — dim-witted ministerial colleagues, unco-operative Labour MPs, an incompetent Civil Service, the mulishness of Gordon Brown and a cynical press and broadcasting media are probably the five which loom largest in the Prime Minister’s mind — have prevented him from carrying them out. Hence the look of virtuous though irritable bafflement that has gradually become Tony Blair’s most characteristic public expression.

The Prime Minister combines victim status with an irrational cheerfulness. This profoundly dotty air of martyrdom accounts for the overwhelming sense of unreality that has begun to emerge from Downing Street as Tony Blair embarks on his final years, or just as likely months, in office.