Tony Blair reveals he finds it hard being hated and says money-making image is wrong
Former Prime Minister says he should have communicated more after quitting as his silence allowed others to portray him in a bad light
TONY Blair has admitted he finds it hard being hated by some people.
The ex-PM, who swept to power 20 years ago today in 1997, also said the image of him concentrating on making money worldwide since he left office in 2007 was wrong.
Asked about being seen as toxic, he said: “Yep, it’s hard . . . but when you achieve power you have to make decisions and when that happens, and the process of government is your life, you become less popular.”
Mr Blair told GQ magazine he should have communicated more after quitting as his silence allowed others to portray him in a bad light.
He added: “If you read about what I have been doing these last 10 years you’d think I’ve just been making money when I have spent the vast bulk of my time in the Middle East, in Africa, on the things I believe in.”
The former Prime Minister, who has been widely criticised over the Iraq war in 2003, called the situation in Syria a 'hideous blot' on Western foreign policy.
"When the Arab Spring began, what I said to people was be very careful because you have been through a situation in Iraq and Afghanistan where you have removed a dictatorship but then the problems begin."
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He also criticised people who compare President Trump to history's worst dictators.
"The comparisons with Hitler and Stalin are ridiculous. However, as I said openly during the campaign, I would have backed Hillary Clinton. You can assume what my views are."
Mr Blair also warned against Scottish independence: "I do not think independence is sensible for Scotland even if Brexit happens."
