Tony Blair

In a major speech to Labour's spring conference, however, Blair warned that the main opposition Conservatives could snatch victory "by the back door" if Labour supporters fail to turn out and vote in big numbers.

"My political insight is the same. . . . I have the same passion and hunger as when I first walked through the door of 10 Downing Street" after the 1997 election, Blair said.

But he cautioned: "The Tories may be a mess, their policy incoherent. . . . But they have a strategy. Not power by the front door, but by the back."

Labour, the Conservatives and the smaller but up-and-coming Liberal Democrats are shifting into full campaign mode as Blair is expected to call a general election for May 5.

The Japan Times Weekly: Feb. 19, 2005
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