Britain goes to the polls this week and despite his efforts to focus on other issues, the thorny topic of Iraq just won’t go away for Tony Blair. He has been facing fresh attacks on his integrity over the conflict. But, at a campaign rally on Sunday, the prime minister used the row to go on the offensive. He gave his explanation as to why his political opponents are putting such emphasis on the war.

“They do so because they have nothing to say about the future of this country – its economy, its health service, its schools,” he said. A leaked memo published in the press indicates Tony Blair was considering ways to oust Saddam Hussein eight months before the war.

He admits discussions on regime change took place then but denies a decision had been made to take military action. The opposition Conservative leader brands Blair a liar over Iraq. “I believe in a government which tells people the truth and which says what it does and keeps its promises,” said Michael Howard.

“And I want people to be able to hold me to account. I will be telling people what I will do in our first week and in our first month so that they can put it into their calendar.” But Howard’s attacks don’t appear to be making a difference. Opinion polls show Tony Blair looks set to lead his centre-left Labour Party to a third term in government.

Copyright © 2012 euronews