From Princess Diana To Bono – But No Oasis
A HOST of celebrities from footballers to Hollywood stars make appearances in the pages of Tony Blair’s memoirs.
The former prime minister lavishes praise on his famous acquaintances, describing Diana, Princess of Wales, as “extraordinarily captivating”, and film director Lord Attenborough as “just a superlative human being”.
David Beckham was a “complete pro” in supporting London’s bid for the 2012 Olympics, Kevin Spacey was a “really fun guy” at Labour’s 2002 autumn party conference, while U2 frontman and anti-poverty campaigner Bono is “great with people, very smart and an inspirational speaker”.
Mr Blair was criticised in office for his fondness for entertaining stars from the worlds of television, film, music and sport.
His book makes no reference to some of his best-known brushes with celebrity, including the 1997 “Cool Britannia” reception at Downing Street attended by Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher.
But it does contain a hesitant defence of Labour’s use of endorsements by famous faces under his leadership.
Mr Blair writes: “To this day, I’m never sure of the effect the celebrity thing has. I don’t dismiss it, as some do. When you are trying to capture the mood – and this is more often so for a progressive party – celebs can reinforce, even boost the message.
“They add some glamour and excitement to what can often be a dreary business. What they can’t do, of course, is substitute for the politics. “They clearly don’t determine the outcome, but properly used, they help.”
By the 2001 election Labour had “celebrities out in abundance”, which “added some spice”.They included Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, Welsh singer Charlotte Church and Simply Red frontman Mick Hucknall. – (PA)