EDWINA Currie's revelation of a four- year affair with John Major will alter the public's perception of him.
However, it should not be forgotten that his Government was responsible for the botched privatisation of the railways and the nuclear industry, thereby giving privatisation a bad name. It also saw the pound's ignominious exit from the Exchange Rate Mechanism and, through it, the loss for economic competence enjoyed by the Conservatives.
Furthermore, Major was responsible for the 'back to basics' policy that created much merriment in the media and caused great embarrassment for the Conservatives.
In view of the Currie revelations, either the policy was an act of contrition on John Major's part or something foisted upon him by his wife, Norma.
When John Major succeeded Margaret Thatcher, he was thought the most Thatcherite candidate.
In retrospect it can be seen that what she created he effectively destroyed and he is the major cause of the Conservative Party's malaise.
When Margaret Thatcher was brought down, so was the Conservative Party and John Major must now be ranked alongside the likes of David Mellor in the pantheon of Conservative politicians.
Richard Lamb,
Greystoke Road, York.
Updated: 11:31 Wednesday, October 02, 2002
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