Tony Blair, the former British Prime Minister, criticised unmercifully for his role in taking this country into the war in Iraq has made a clever move.
In an act of self sacrifice he has given all the money for the advance on his book about himself and the money from sales to assisting the British Legion in nursing those who were injured during the war.
It is a generous gesture and to be appreciated but, unfortunately the cash involved provides something like £1 each for every person who perished in the conflict. They will be nursed by no one.
Parents of loved ones who died in the conflict have called Blair's money 'blood money' given, perhaps, to relieve his conscience.
Tony explained to me his motivation: 'My friend. I'm rolling in so much money it is coming our of my ears. I just have to say two words and money is showered on me. You already owe me £500 for this interview and the money will go to a good cause - to buy the widows of those who died in Iraq a small token of their loss.'
But has Tony wiped the slate clean? He's never said he is sorry for what he did. He clearly doesn't think he made a monumental error of judgement. But he has certainly achieved one thing. It has made it more difficult to tell jokes about him.
