In an interview for Eva magazine, Tony Blair has also revealed that "a little bit of a struggle" would do his "very normal kids" no harm at all.

Mr Blair told the magazine that the Blair household claimed child benefit in common with the rest of the country: "Everyone gets it. It's up to you what you spend it on. But I think most people do spend it on their kids. We treat it as though it's not just part of the family income and we do try to make sure that it gets spent on the children."

Who'll look after the kids?

The Blairs faced tough choices when Cherie returned to work

Mr Blair then spoke of how he and his wife had agonised over the decision to employ a childminder when she wanted to resume her career, but that they had enjoyed the support of their families.

"It's a big decision deciding who's going to look after your kids. It's a complete act of faith to leave your kids with anybody. We agonised over it a lot, but Cherie wanted to go back to work. My dad is so good with the kids. He says the great thing is you can give them back," he said.

Having a high-profile barrister for a mother, not to mention a father who is Prime Minister might put a great deal of pressure on the Blair's children, Euan, Nicky and Kathryn. But not so says the Prime Minister - he thinks they still get an easy ride.

"It's hard for anyone with a parent who is well-known, in two respects," Mr Blair said, "One is getting hassled by people about it. And I've said to them there'll come a point in time when I'm no longer Prime Minister and lots of people who want to know you now will not want to know you then."

"You've got to be able to make your own way, your own life and I think to do well in life you need a little bit of struggle. It sort of worries me sometimes that things are a bit too easy for them," he added.