Blair tastes US media criticism

Blair still enjoys praise from many American politicians

Tony Blair should publicly take on his American ally George Bush more often, according to one of the most influential US newspapers.

Climate change, the United Nations' role in Iraq and food subsidies causing damage to farmers in developing nations are among the issues on which the New York Times wants a harder line taken against Washington.

In an editorial headlined "Tony Blair's troubles", the paper says Mr Blair should step out of Mr Bush's shadow and focus on rebuilding his own reputation.

The newspaper's criticism strikes against the predominant note of praise Mr Blair has usually won from the American media.

Trust dilemma

The editorial points to the way Mr Blair has helped to sway public opinion in America, notably in the run-up to the Iraq war.

It goes on: "The White House therefore has every reason to be concerned about the British prime minister's growing credibility problems at home.

"Mr Blair's grip on office doesn't seem threatened. But his once legendary ability to sway public opinion has taken a large, and largely self-inflicted, hit.

"The next time Washington needs to borrow some of his credibility to broaden domestic support for its international policies, he may have little to spare.

"We credit the sincerity of Mr. Blair's beliefs, but are troubled by the unworthy, and ultimately counterproductive, ways he used to advance them."

Election campaign

The newspaper advises Mr Blair that he start to distance himself from "American-style spin operations".

"He could also more openly challenge Washington on a number of important issues on which his views are known to diverge from Mr Bush's," it adds.

The criticism from a newspaper seen as a key opinion former in America follows the unofficial tongue-in-cheek campaign to get Mr Blair to stand in the 2004 US presidential election.

The prime minister will not take up that campaign but he has continually stressed the dangers of Europe and America failing to work together.