As Tony Blair celebrates his half-century on Tuesday, SALLY FLETCHER takes to the streets to find out just what it is like to celebrate 50 years, and what you think of Mr Blair now...

THERE were few birthday greetings for Prime Minister Tony Blair's fiftieth on Tuesday when I spoke to people out on the streets of York.

But most people thought it was a good age and one with possibilities for more fun.

Joan Pattington, 80, said: "When I was 50 my children had all grown up and left home.

"It was then we finally had time for ourselves, to do what we wanted to do.

"At fifty too, you still have your health, all your faculties and enough energy to have fun. It's a good age."

Harry McCord, 59, said: "It doesn't really make much difference what age it says on your birthday card if you have got your health and are happy.

"But it certainly won't make me like him any more."

Andy Pearce, 30, said: "I can't even think what it must be like to be 50, I have still got a long way to go just yet, so couldn't possibly comment."

Ann Haversham, 40, said: "I used to think 50 was old and past it, but somehow I don't anymore.

"I have always voted for Labour, but now, whatever his age, there is no way I could support Tony Blair again.

"This is not about how old he is, but is a matter of principle."

Lynsey Orridge, 19, said: "I don't really care how old Tony Blair is, it wouldn't make any difference if he was really young or really old. I think he is sleazy and I just don't trust him."

Brian Stainsby, 65, said: "Our lives began when we were 50. Our family was grown up by then, and we had time to do what we wanted to do, to go walking, to take up sequence dancing.

"Maybe Tony will be able to start having fun now too, and stop causing all this trouble."

Updated: 09:45 Saturday, May 03, 2003