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PMQs - The Verdict
Edward Davie
The first prime minister's questions after the Easter Break and judging by the various tans on display in the chamber many MPs had taken the opportunity to go a little further than their constituencies.
Before heading off on his own travels to a Norwegian Glacier Tory leader David Cameron was facing taunts about his own colour changes.
Sporting a distinctive green tie and shirt combination it brought to mind Labour's new 'Dave the chameleon' adverts.
Despite being given a feed-line from Labour backbencher Sarah McCarthy-Fry bashing "chameleon qualities" Blair refused to take up the theme. Could it be that Blair finds the personal attack a little crass and perhaps counter-productive?
One of the guises (or genuine shifts in view) Cameron is trying to adopt is that of champion of the NHS.
This is a tricky one for the Tories still trying to shake off a widespread perception that they ran the health service down during their last period in office.
Whatever else you can accuse the current government of, it is not that they have deprived the health service of cash.
So Cameron repeated his attack that this new investment is being squandered on pay rises, bureaucracy and incompetent management.
Blair retorted by listing the apparent improvements in Cameron's own NHS trust and seized on the Tories risky strategy of accusing health service workers of being overpaid.
The prime minister said the additional investment is "money well spent and every penny piece was opposed by the party opposite."
Cameron invited Blair to his constituency to try and find an NHS dentist - a task he likened to "finding Lord Lucan riding on Shergar." It wasn't a terrible joke but he fluffed it a bit.
The Tory leader's later attack was dismissed as "ridiculous nonsense" by a prime minister who is feeling the heat over criticism in an area Labour has been most proud of.
Next it was Sir Menzies Campbell's turn and he leapt to his feet as if his seat had been electrified.
Recently Sir Menzies has found himself at the wrong end of criticism over his PMQ's performances.
He may have taken this on board and certainly it was a more assured performance that may be the result of more careful rehearsal and briefing.
His questions on Iran hit home and for once he didn't refer to his notes every second word.
From international affairs we were brought closer to home with "questions" from Labour MPs drawing attention to the deficiencies of Lib Dem and Tory councillors whilst extolling their own party colleagues everywhere from Portsmouth to Barnsley.
Having the PM quoted in their local papers might help shore up local election support but it does show a touch of desperation as the May 4 poll approaches.
The Verdict
Tony Blair - 7/10 - A pretty convincing defence of the government from attacks over the NHS.
David Cameron - 6/10 - Health always tricky ground for the Tories and Cameron has delivered his lines better.
Sir Menzies Campbell - 6/10 - a more assured performance after some recent criticism.
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Published: Wed, 19 Apr 2006 16:47:30 GMT+01
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