OPEN government and the end of sleaze heralded Tony Blair's election success in 1997 and contributed to him being successful in two further terms.

But he also managed to introduce a social policy agenda that promoted important rights and responsibilities for parents though "social inclusion" and Sure Start.

His foreign policy initiatives in Africa and on the world stage are well documented. The prolonged negotiations that have led to the power-sharing and, hopefully, a lasting peace in Northern Ireland has to be one of Mr Blair's great achievements.

Many would argue that in education and the NHS many of the claims of successes in achieving better academic results and in focusing on shorter patient waiting lists could be countered by the preference of many parents to choose private education, where they can afford it, while some would question why so many essential "life-saving" treatments aren't met through NHS funding. But the focus on these issues has been there.

Whether Iraq and the cash-forhonours issue continues to haunt Labour, Gordon Brown has the chance to do something to instil confidence and to reassure the public.

The very issues that brought Labour to power and the aspirations of those who voted for New Labour a decade ago need to ignite a fresh momentum.

Bernie Walsh, Coxhoe, Durham.