THE rumour that Tony Blair is to return to frontline domestic politics gathers pace.

Hovering just off stage, like Banquo’s ghost in Macbeth, he is said to believe he has a lot to offer.

Let’s examine his legacy: hundreds of thousand of civilian lives lost in Iraq, hundreds of service personnel tragically killed in Iraq and Afghanistan and a humiliating battle with Gordon Brown.

Mr Blair changed British politics – he lied to the public on a scale as never before.

His desire to grab the limelight and appease his American master was deceitful at best, cynical at worst. Having amassed a fortune since leaving office, as all meglomaniacs, he finds that money is not enough. He needs to be seen. He craves publicity.

One advantage for the Coalition is that Mr Blair is advising Ed Milliband, the kiss of death one imagines.

No doubt there are many who will welcome this return but let us remember Tony Blair did nothing for the North-East and nothing for the UK but everything for himself.

He seems tailor made to slip back into our political system.

Colin T Mortimer, Pity Me.