John Smith no doubt would have been a good Prime Minister as indeed Michael Foot & Neil Kinnock had they succeeded. But you underestimate and have not understood that Tony Blair and the New Labour project have been and still are remarkably successful. James Callaghan was the most disappointing Labour premier since WW2.
The winning of two general elections with staggering majorities is a record of unique achievement. Consider that the Labour Party of the 80s was a bickering rag bag diminishing in membership and frankly falling apart. The New Labour project has rebuilt and renewed Labour goals. Tony Blair and his team were the first to lead the Labour Party in two successive terms of office, now that is a real achievement. It is still possible that Tony Blair could lead Labour to a third parliamentary victory. Before New Labour took over the Labour was in an extraordinary mess, there was no accurate count of memebrship, no proper modern methods of business in organisation and fund raising. Labour can now quite happily accept donations from TUs and business.
One doesn't need to agree with everything our Prime minister says or does, he has renewed confidence and worked for progress, that this country is now better off than it was in the sad, bitter miserable days of Conservative rule.
Tony Blair has seen off several Conservative leaders. In time history will record him as quite a remarkable figure, yes with faults, he has courage of conviction and despite everything thrown against him, he has remained resilient.
