prime minister blair sobran through the death of princess diana and led the uk's response to the september 11 attacks on the world trade center. he faced criticism for his handling on his widely erected, which he addressed -- iraq, which you dressed in his resignation speech. >> thank you very much. it is a great privilege to be here with you again and to thank all of you to for such a wonderful and warm welcome, especially maureen and her friends you gave me such a wonderful welcome. when i have come in, four more years i was thinking that is not on message per se. [laughter] i would just like to say if i might, just a special word of thanks to john burton john has been here for many years now, he is still the best political advisor that i have got. since i've known him he has been steadfast in his loyalty to me, and the labour party and the football club, not necessarily in that order. we will not get into that. [laughter] it has been my great good fortune, at certain points in my life to meet exceptional people and he is one very exceptional person. also, if i may, refer to another exce