David Blunkett

Blunkett, blind since birth, became home secretary three months before the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the United States, and was the pivotal figure behind Britain's response to the threat of attack.

His tough stance angered some civil rights groups, who campaigned against his decision to detain terrorism suspects without trial.

Blair replaced him at the Home Office with Education Secretary Charles Clarke.

The 57-year-old Blunkett, often pictured with his guide dog, resigned from his post after weeks of accusations he abused his position to speed up a visa for the Filipino nanny of his married former lover, U.S.-born publisher Kimberly Quinn.

An inquiry into that charge is to report soon, but Blunkett pre-empted it, saying he had inadvertently accelerated the visa by writing a letter that highlighted general delays.

The Japan Times Weekly: Dec. 25, 2004
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