IT is natural for the leader of any organisation – no matter how big or small – to worry about their legacy.

How will they be viewed in years to come?

Tony Blair’s legacy was important to him and it is easy to forget that, during his ten years as leader of this country, he did a great deal of good.

He made the Labour Party electable again after 18 years lost in the wilderness.

He made education his priority as prime minister and the shiny new schools and colleges which sprung up around the country are testament to that vision.

The National Health Service received more investment than under any previous administration, cutting waiting times for treatment in crucial areas such as cancer and coronary care.

He saw through the peace process in Northern Ireland and became the world’s leading statesman in the immediate aftermath of the September 11 bombings.

But for all he achieved in winning three terms in Downing Street, there is a grave danger that he will be remembered for one thing above all else: taking his country into an unjust war against Iraq.

Today, the eyes of the world will be on Mr Blair as he faces the Iraq war inquiry and it is our sincere hope that he is able to convince us that his actions were justifiable.

Evidence from a succession of witnesses so far has left him facing serious questions about the legality of the war. Those questions are summarised on our front page today.

His answers will go a long way towards deciding how history will judge the former MP for Sedgefield.