Hard Tony Blair: Wizard or Wonk? Quiz / Test | Tony Blair

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. He arrived at 6:10 a.m. He joined an older brother William. On what date and where was Anthony Charles Lynton Blair born onto the world stage?

Answer: 6 May 1953 in Edinburgh Scotland

An auspicious moment for us all, eh? Tony's astrological sun sign is in Taurus the Bull. Can you recall any stubborn decisions he's clung to? How about recklessly closing his eyes to the facts and charging in where angels fear to tread? What about an overseas alliance he should have avoided like the plague?
For answers to these questions and much more peruse a copy of Phillip Stephens' biography, "Tony Blair: The Making of a World Leader."

2. The Blair name was nearly not. Tony's parents, Leo and Hazel, kept secrets from their sons and family. Leo had been raised in Glasgow but was actually English. What should have been the Prime Minister's surname?

Answer: Parsons

The "Guardian" did an article on Tony as a person to pay attention to within the Labour party. Tony was by then 42 years old. He discovered his original surname was Parsons. Charles and Lynton were also taken from his paternal grandfather's first and character name. Leo was born a child of two stage actors in Filey, Yorkshire, 1923. Celia, Leo's mother, was married to another man at the time. She and Charles gave Leo to James and Mary Blair of Glasgow to raise. Mary played the role of Leo's biological mother.

Family secrets? Actors and illegitimacy? His family is dysfunctional, too? Whatever next?

3. Leo insisted his sons attend public (what Americans call "private") school. He sent William and younger brother Anthony to the self-styled "Eton of Scotland," at the age of 13. What is this historic boarding school, mock-Gothic towered, Edinburgh landmark called?

Answer: Fettes College

What did Tony do at Fettes besides getting caned for behavioral misdemeanors, listening to Led Zeppelin, and A-level studies in history, French and English? According to his father Leo, "He [Tony] was always nipping over the wall to chat up the girls at the fish and chip shop." The Headmaster had called Leo in for a conference on these escapades, Tony's unacceptably long hair, and his anti-authoritarian attitude. The lad was also accused of imitating Mick Jagger at inappropriate times and places. Perhaps this was in preparation for his band at Oxford University?

Definitely my kind of 'Bad Boy.'

4. Blair met a 36 year old Australian theology student, Peter Thomson at St. John's College, Oxford. They shared their philosophies of personal moral responsibility, extended community relationships, family and societal values. These concepts were influenced by a particular philosophy known as:

Answer: Christian Socialism

Tony's gap year (1971) as a rock band manager and promoter in London did not provide him with fortune or fame. Some sources say this is why he got into politics. He craved the satisfaction of fame and personal adoration.
No one who knew Blair, for many years, except Peter Thompson knew the depth of his Christian beliefs. Tony was confirmed into the Church of England by the college chaplain.
"My Christianity and my politics came together at the same time." The new Labour party leader explained in interview that, "If you really want to understand what I'm all about you have to take a look at a guy called John Macmurray. It's all there."
For in-depth explainations, and the behind the scenes documentation, read John Rentoul's detailed biograpy, "Tony Blair: Prime Minister."

5. After completing and passing the Bar examination in 1976, Blair chose to take a summer job in Paris at the Frantour hotel. What skill did he practice which would enable him to later receive the admiration of the French National Assembly?

Answer: Flawless French

Blair seems to have enjoyed his Parisian summer. He claims, "quite good tips," from the American tourists because he could speak English. Tony also discovered that French socialism did not apply to the common tip jar. He realized he was the only employee contributing funds for them all to share.

To each according to his abiites to each according to his needs. Sound like approved doctrine?

6. To complete the process of becoming a barrister Blair applied for his necessary legal work year. Derry Irvine had already enlisted a pupil. However, Tony's persuasive speech and apparent enthusiasm won him over. And, eventually Blair's competition as well. Cherie Booth dumped her boyfriend, lost her tenancy with Irvine, and began dating Tony Blair. The rest, as they say, is history. Who was, and is, the real scholar and breadwinner in the family?

Answer: Cherie Booth

Cherie Booth is formidable. At the London School of Economics Ms. Booth achieved the highest first in law. A-levels included Geography, Economics, History and General Studies for which she earned four As. A current Queen's Counsel or QC, Cherie ranks as one of the finest barristers in the UK. Her membership of the Labour party and political ambitions occurred long before Tony's. Those who knew her thought she might become the first female Labour PM.
However, Tony became the Labour MP for the Sedgefield constituency. According to their personal agreement she began supporting his political ambitions. The current ugly rumor is that Cherie earns over half a million US dollars a year.

That should be enough to keep her Prime Minister happy on holiday and in retirement, or is that exile?

7. Interviewed while Tony competed for Labour party leadership, Cherie made an inappropriately candid comment. To disallow her statement, Tony agreed to let an ITN editor have unique access to the Blair family. What function or position was Tony fulfilling?

Answer: Spin Doctor

A spin doctor is an expert on turning a negative situation, miscommunication, or unpopular policy from a public figure, usually a politician, into neutral or positive behavior, harmless chatter or benign intentions. Cherie's comment had to do with her hopes of residing at No 10 Downing someday. Michael Brunson was the political editor who supplied a well detailed anecdote in Rentoul's biography of Blair.

Perhaps Tony took lessons from his mentor, Bill Clinton who was a master at being able to spin like a teflon coated top.

8. Tony "sacked" or fired ministers at such times as made no sense to the remaining Cabinet. It did, however, annoy them immensely. This tactic made the ministers question the security of their positions. In July 1999, an infamous example of Blair's behavior became known as what?

Answer: The Night of the Short Knives

An analysis of Blair describes his version of "bunker mentality." Believing he is under seige, he is intimate only with a close cadre of friends who insulate him from harsh political reality. Part of the bane of this mind-set is in not listening to valid criticisms. Politicos with power bases, who could be helpful, are pushed out as potential threats. There is a stale recycling of repetitive thought. No healthy debate is allowed. Consequently, history displays a pattern of inevitable leadership downfall. Obviously, it is more common and dramatic in totalitarian states. However, the ensuing damage to a democracy can be near deadly.

Just my own P.O.V.

9. In his campaign, Blair had promised to reform the National Health Service, or NHS, and education. To do so he "magicked" away more than a billion and a half, in US dollars, of public funds. The next project, privately funded to symbolize the year 2000, cost the "New Labour" PM his apparent reputation for moral honesty. What is the name of this London edifice(s)?

Answer: The Millennium Dome

Money raised by means of the National Lottery financed the PM's promised projects. His justification for these maneuvers was that he was not spending the taxpayers' money. (Hmm. Who purchases the National Lottery tickets?)
Four private sponsors paid the bill for the Dome. Who would recognize the names of BA/British Airlines, Rupert Murdoch's BSkyB, Manpower and Tesco? Peter Mandelson, Blair's choice as Secretary of Trade and Industry, was brought down, and Tony's integrity challenged by: 1.) The preferential sales to BA of slots at Heathrow Airport. BA's chairman was also chair of the Dome project. 2.) Manchester United football: Mendelson did not excuse himself from BSkyB's bid. 3.)Tesco and it's over 12 million dollar contribution, had the government plan to tax parking lots in supermarkets disappear in a timely fashion.

Has to be just coincidence, right?

10. These women were once 25% of "New Labour"'s MP's. 101 took seats in Parliament in 1997. Due to a photographic opportunity with the then new Prime Minister a patronizing nickname was attached to them by the media. What were these capable women called?

Answer: Blair's Babes

Blair appears to have angered groups across the spectrum. The consensus opinion about Blair as prime minister indicates significant disappointment in his tactics, methods, and modes of leadership. Labour is not amused, and will have to do some serious remodeling to keep it's majority. Next up: Gordon's Girls which should include Yvette Cooper, MP whose husband is employed by the new PM.

Personally,I would have no problem being labeled as a "Blair Babe." I'm rather secure in who and what I am. Perhaps my Labour-A-Tory Bud can whip me up a slightly revised version of TB. After all, a "Hottie" is a terrible thing to waste.

Source: Author whitewedding

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor bloomsby before going online.
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Tony Blair: Wizard or Wonk? Trivia Quiz

Tony Blair was a consummate politician. By turns he has appeared charming and convincing, a skilled speechmaker, a "New Labour" activist, a Guitar God, and a family man- sometimes all in the course of 24 hours. As Heart sings,"He's a magic man."

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