Blair is accused of Cook 'snub'

[sabra]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4145308.stm

Blair is accused of Cook 'snub'

Racing pundit John McCririck has accused Tony Blair of snubbing Robin Cook's family by failing to break his holiday for the ex-minister's funeral.

Mr McCririck mounted the attack in a tribute at his friend's funeral.

The flamboyant Channel 4 racing presenter said Mr Blair's absence was a "moral failure" and showed petty vindictiveness.

Downing Street declined to respond when Mr McCririck made similar criticisms earlier this week.

Chancellor Gordon Brown gave a eulogy to Mr Cook at the service at St Giles Cathedral at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh

[Beaver Tail]

1. It Definitely was a Snub, no debate there

And blair NEEDS to be called on it

But to play these politics at the funeral is just plain rotten.

[LeftishBrit]

2. It is a snub, but..

In my opinion, Blair is about the last person that Robin Cook would have wanted at his funeral!

[BedRock]

3. Boy! Don't die or have a war

while they are on vacation! Sounds like Blair is taking lessons from Bush's Book of Management and Leadership.

Rule #7: Vacation is more important than diplomacy or doing the job.

[DoYouEverWonder]

4. It's not like he couldn't just hop on his private jet

to stop by for a few hours.

What an ass.

[cal04]

5. 'A GAP WE'LL NEVER FILL'

Over 700 mourners have attended the funeral of former Foreign Secretary Robin Cook - but not Tony Blair who was attacked for staying away. Cabinet ministers, celebrities and ordinary members of the public joined Mr Cook's family for the service at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh.

The mourners were led by Mr Cook's widow Gaynor and his sons Peter and Christopher by his first wife Margaret. The main eulogy was delivered by Chancellor Gordon Brown, who said: "Robin's passing leaves a gap that can never properly be filled. "Today we salute him as the most accomplished parliamentarian of his generation."But the most striking comments came from Mr Cook's friend John McCririck, who launched a scathing attack on Mr Blair for failing to turn up. The Prime Minister is on holiday with his family and will attend a memorial service later. However, racing pundit Mr McCririck said his absence demonstrated a "petty vindictiveness".

He said that even though Margaret Thatcher disliked the late Prime Minister Ted Heath, she had still attended his funeral last month."All of us have changed our plans to show our respect and affection for Robin and to Gaynor and the boys and the family," he said."But there is just one exception to that, and that's the nation's leader, the Prime Minister."I believe (his) snub to Robin's family and to millions of New Labour voters, demonstrates a petty vindictiveness and a moral failure, opting to continue snorkelling, instead of doing his duty."The comments, which were broadcast on a loudspeaker outside the cathedral, were met with a round of applause from onlookers.

http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30000-13408973,00.html