Your e-mails: Blair to stand down

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LONDON, England (CNN) -- Having won three successive elections, and served as the British Prime Minister for the last 10 years, Tony Blair is bringing an end to his time in office.

Leader during the invasion of Iraq, September 11 and the 7/7 London transport bombings, his career has never been far from controversy, but how will the man who orchestrated a peace in Northern Ireland be remembered?

Below is a selection of CNN viewers' opinions:

There will be few leaders like Blair left in Europe and, indeed, the whole world when he leaves office come June.Contrary to what some people may say, I think his association with Bush helped in bringing out the strength in him.Both leaders should be remembered for their strong resolve against evil.
Marius, Nigeria

My view is that Tony Blair had greater priorities on foreign affairs rather than the home affairs that has unfortunately degraded the social balance in the UK.
Wayne Schofield, UK

Despite whatever else he accomplished, the mess he helped George Bush make in Iraq when they should have focused on Afganistan marks his years in power as an utter failure and disgrace.
Michael Hecht, Pennsylvania U.S.

All these people are forgetting that every leader of any party would have also gone to war against Iraq. The tories would have, and despite what the Liberal's say (not that they'll ever get to power in the UK) they would have done so too. It's what Britain and America do. They stand by each other, when the going get's tough, while other's want to bury their heads in the sands. He had virtually no choice but to back USA. I believe it was the right decision. Although the reasons given were misleading. So what. Have all the pure as white souls out there never lied in their lives? Get a grip. He'll be sadly missed. Irreplacable.
Carlos Wood, UK

Having been PM from an era during which fewer wars occurred, Tony Blair has displayed his flexibility to change. I think his decisions during these war times reflect his beliefs and methods even before it happened. Sanity, and strength of character?that's what I respect him for.
Yusuf Olitan, Germany

Commenting on Tony Blair's time in office, I believe that it depends on which side of the coin the world wants to see. In Africa and as an African I choose to see the positive influence on issues he(Britain) intervened in. To this I say " Well done" for the things he thought right to do.
Rita, Equatorial Guinea

I am happy that Mr Blair is finally stepping down. Maybe Britain will have a leader who loves peace rather than war. Am sure it's a relief to innocent British troops in Iraq; it's time to go home.
Shakapanga, Zambia

How will I remember Tony Blair's reign of alternating terror and incompetence?

First, I'll remember how he kicked the ladder of opportunity away from many talented young children by abolishing the assisted places scheme as a sop to the dogmatic socialists in his party.

Then I'll remember his constant re-hiring of the ever-slippery Peter Mandelson.

I'll remember his grotesque expansion of higher education as a way of covering youth unemployment; this has of course made undergraduate degrees worth much less.

I'll remember his mishandling of pensions, which mean those of us in their 20s and 30s can look forward to working until our 70s, then getting nothing.

Going back to education, how about his saddling university students with unprexcedented levels of debt?

Or the ever-decreasing provision for children with special educational needs?

And don't even get me started on security and foreign policy. The man's failures easily balance out his successes.
C. Foynes, UK

Defining Mr Blair solely on the war in Iraq is short-sightedand disingenuous. Making a mistake does not make one a liar. The people who are calling Mr Blair and President Bush liars should get over themselves.We all make mistakes.
Lyn Cuffie, West Indies

Tony Blair is one of the great leaders of our times. In spite of the mis- adventure in Iraq, Tony Blair has and still remains a good friend of Africa.

Thank you Mr Blair for bringing the problem of Poverty in Africa to the G8 meeting. You are a good man. The world will forever remember you as one.
Sam, Nigeria

Mr. Blair has demonstrated considerable courage in the face of considerable political adversity. His eloquence and the courage of his convictions recall memories of Winston Churchill. He may have fought the wrong battle at the wrong time with the wrong ally, but only history will judge his actions. The world will soon lose a bright light of leadership.
John Carey, Florida U.S.

If Tony Blair had not assumed the role of George Bush's lap dog on issues pertaining to the Middle East, it is possible that we would not be facing the quagmire that presents itself today in Iraq.
Scott Rothenberg, Texas U.S.

Tony Blair's resignation has stung the wounds of African power mongers meted by Mandela. Blair would have been great had lies over weapons of mass destruction in Iraq not tarnished his reputation. I am afraid His departure and continuous pressure on Mr George Bush by US public and democrats over war in Iraq will fulfil Sadam's dream of consequences of war on Iraq?
Ojuku Tiafak, Japan

Mr. Tony Blair has finally decided to bow out of one of the top jobs in the world, i.e. Prime minister of Britain.

His key achievements are:

a) An excellent economic performance with inflation and unemployment controlled.

b) Restoration of Britain's pride and glory.

c) He kept the country united and at the same time participated actively in trying to manage external issues with diplomacy e.g. Iran hostage crisis.

d) Despite the vicious attacks on him, he kept smiling.

e) He is a very polished, balanced and elegant Prime Minster, whose conduct and demeanor, in principle, has been above reproach.

Two issues have been held against him: a) Britain's Iraq policy, but the jury is yet out on this subject, and b) The cash for honors issue, which really is a party matter, and cannot be hung on him.

Mr. Blair was a "People's Prime Minister", and upheld the British values of freedom and human rights.

He is one of the finest Prime Ministers Great Britain has had. He will be severely missed on the international stage, but will hopefully continue playing a vital role in public affairs, like ex-President Bill Clinton.
Rajendra K. Aneja, UAE

I've read some of the comments with absolute amazement - particularly from people who don't live here.

Here's a list of Tony and Labours major achievements:

a failed health system despite billions being poured in.

a politicized police force who manage statistics and not crime.

a ruined army and decimated navy and an airforce that can barely fly.

a school system that produces the unemployable.

a failed private pension system (though fabulous if you work for the government!)

100+ extra taxes to pay for all of the above failures

an absolute destruction of the British way of life at the hands of the european parliament and under the guise of political correctness.

Failed immmigration policy.

Failed benefits system that has been systematically defrauded of billions.

and at very fundamental level the introduction of fear into the community - fear of crime, fear of your neighbours, fear of being involved.

There are many others but the list is too long.
Glen Grant, UK

I think Tony Blair is one of the best leaders UK has had for a long while. He transformed an unelectable Labour Party and led the party and the country through internationally difficult times. Those who say his legacy is tainted with the Iraq War, have little understanding of intricacies of Middle East politics and the power struggle between different terrorist groups in the region.
Ramin Pirzad

Congratulations to Tony Blair on his many achievements especially achieving peace in Northern Ireland.

His major failing was trusting George Bush who suckered him in to a war that should never have been waged!
Kevin, Australia

Blair's Prime Ministership will be defined by the demolition of Iraq and the mass murder of Iraqis which started well before the invasion of Iraq, the dismemberment of Yugoslavia, the strengthening and consolidation of Islamist forces in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the World, and, above all, what he did not do in in eliminating terrorism in Pakistan and Britain or Darfur, Zimbabwe, and a countless other places simply because he, a cheer leader, couldn't do so unless George Bush did and, anyway, having committed himself to diversionary George Bush fronts had no resources left to do anything else. He will also be remembered for raising corruption to a brazen fine art in the best traditions of the Bush Presidency. I also question the facile assumption that Kosovo is a foreign policy success story that brightens the Blair blot somehow. What exactly is this success?
S. Suchindranath Aiyer, India

Believe it or not, Tony Blair remains Britains most respected and Influential politician. His religious dedication and commitment to whatever he believes remains his greatest weapon -- perhaps the weapon that has finally dug his political grave.
Ifeanyi Okereke, Nigeria.

Blair will be remembered well for being the American presidents poodle. He helped invade Iraq which killed thousands. He should be arrested for war crimes.
Muad Zaki

As an American, I see Tony Blair as a great leader who was respected by nations and will be remembered as a man who knew what was the right thing to do when so many thought different and disagreed with him. I am sadden to see him leave office. I believe he would have the support of his people if he chose to stay and run again for prime minister. I would like to thank him personally and hope he knows that there are more who love and respect him than those who are against him. As a veterian of the United States Air Force, I salute Mr. Anthony Blair and thank him for his heart felt efforts in standing up for rightness, in turn making this a better world where democracy can flourish.
Angelo D'Agostino, New Jersey U.S.

Mr Blair has made an excellent decision by stepping down at this time. Many world leaders do not have a clue when they should step forward and when they should step down, resulting in much worse disasters which damage their reputation, their political parties and their nation. He had made mistake with respect to Iraq war, but his resignation will allow him to retire in grace.
Shirley The, Indonesia

Blair is a great man and will always go down in history as one who came, saw and triumphed. Life is such that one cannot satisfy all the people all the time. As far as life goes on, human beings remain what they are. I think he has seen it all. Let us hope that whoever is taking his place can fill his very big shoes.
Chidi Ottah, Nigeria

All the good work of Blair is masked with his blunder with Iraq... I remember 'Blair as a Liar'... as simple as that !!
Pashupathi Jois, India

Being an American I do not know of all of Mr Blair's missteps. But, I firmly believe that had Mr. Blair been open to talks with the IRA/SF the peace process would never have achieved it's current success.
Diane English, Georgia U.S.

Regarding the comment that Blair had few problems dealing with the conservative President Bush: Why should he have had any problems? Blair is an out-and-out conservative!

He came to power on a program mainly stolen from the British Conservative Party in order to appeal to its voters.

In power, both on domestic and foreign policy, he has followed the conservative agenda.

When there have been elections in other European countries, whom has he supported? Aznar in Spain, Berlusconi in Italy, Merkel in Germany, Balkenende in the Netherlands, Sarkozy in France - always the Conservatives' candidates, never the Social Democrats (Labour's normal ally in other European countries).
Tony Shaw, Germany

He will be remembered for sleaze, corruption and spin. A premiership of little substance. He will be remembered for the thousands of deaths he has caused from an unjust war that he helped start by spinning the lies of WMD and 45 minutes to deliver them. The first Prime Minister to be investigated by the Police in a corruption probe, who threatened to resign if questioned under caution (which means you can be punished for lying). June 28th should be made a National Holiday.
Clive Powell, UK

Dont be fooled, Blair is a master media operator, a wizard of spin and deception. On the outside, a weighty statesman and moral leader, but in truth, a power hungary control freak with the blood of thousands on his hands. The centralisation of the state will take years to untangle, lets just hope the Tories are up to the job eh?!
Louise, UK

Tony Blair seems a thoughly decent person and good leader. He tried to find the middle road allowing both business and normal working people to prosper, and he did a good job of it.

It is unfortunate that he was led astray by American adventurism in Iraq. Sometimes good people make bad decisions. This was unfortunately such a case - but hopefully future leaders will learn from it and be more careful about starting unneccessary wars.
Craig Schott, Canada

Despite a few mistakes that he made in his last four years in office, Tony remains a darling to millions around the world, it is normal for a small red spot to be more visible on big white piece of cloth. Big up Tony, we will remember you.
Fadhili Mpunji, Beijing

Tony Blair will or should be remembered as a man who promised much, delivered little, lied to the British public and got away with it, got involved in several scandals and got away with it, cost many British lives in a war based on more lies, yet never lost sight of his unwavering commitment to being a lapdog to the United States.
Jon, Dubai

He was and still is a great man and a terrific politician.
Jose Lima, Portugal

Tony Blair is the Winston Churchill of contemporary Britain. A man of tremendous conviction, stoic beliefs and perseverant patriotism. However damaged his reputation may be, now, due to the Iraq war, he will be a much admired hero in the decades to come as the world begins to wake up to the gory acts of impending religious terror. Though elected PM for a record number of times, it is unfortunate that his own country men do not share his views with regard to the compulsions of his nation's security and global peace. Nevertheless, history's greatest men have always stood alone, aloof and aloft with ideals that mere mortals fail to understand in their times.
S. Immanuel, India

Tony Blair should be historically remembered as a leader who fought to defend the rights of both the "common man" and the "free world" during his tenure. He exemplified commendable courage, compassion and strong leadership qualities in the face of global terrorism on his own homeland as well as the planet.
Joanne Lara, California, U.S.

Tony Blair is the man. So many people have forgotten what he has done for Britain and for the world. From the beginning of his term to now, he has shown steadfast dedication and for that I applaud him. Iraq was a unfortunate event that he was dragged into, I don't blame him, it was President Bush's idea anyway. People cannot forget all the things he's done for the world and his country. Iraq, was simply a mistake. I applaud Blair, and I will always admire him for his dedication and work.
Hao Li, California U.S.

Mr. Tony Blair is a great man and great PM.

I assure every skeptic that if he were less than a great man, he would never have won any election in the UK.

Most people may not remember how much work he put into bringing us into the digital age, without him, a lot of people here will still be in the dark Internet wise. he has inspired many.

May he have long life and joy.
Austin Dibor, UK

Tony Blair's legacy will be that of George Bush's lap dog. His insistence on keeping British soldiers in a conflict which the British had bungled year before is in keeping with the general attitude of arrogance and the undeserved sense of superiority the British seem to exude. Good riddance to Blair. Now, if we could just erase several hundred years of British meddling around the globe, peace may actually be within reach.
Ahmet Aydogan, China

People of the UK think hard before you let this great man go. We'll gladly take him in the USA. I've never met him but he's my friend. We are in deep s--- in our White House. Good man and good family. Thank very much for reading this. I am 72 yrs. old naive Texan . I'm no rookie at this. Bush? God save the USA.
Gene Hogue, Texas U.S.

The best since Churchill, will be missed as an articulate spokesperson for England and friend of the U.S.
Robert Kuzela, Louisiana U.S.

He is such an intelligent speaker and very moral. It is as if Bush has corrupted Blair's legacy. Bush seems so dull and stupid next to Blair. I never understood why Blair refused to see him for what he is and stand at last for the true. I really like the man and felt the world would have been a better place if Clinton and Blair could have lead us through the early 2000s.
Suzi Wallace, Arkansas U.S.

Blair's support of the moron Bush, says it all. Too bad, I've admired Blair as a class act. By joining Bush, Cheney administration, he is just as guilty...for the greatest mistake in modern history. Soldiers dying for what? To catch Bin Laden? For oil and power of Iraq? What a terrible mistake, I wish he would tell us the truth and admit his wrong doings.
Chuck Khun, Massachusetts U.S.

Tony Blair has always struck me as a man with strong resolve and moral courage. His steadfast loyalty to his beliefs has made him my hero.
Jennifer Oberholtz, Arizona U.S.

I am a British ex-pat, and was still living in the UK when Blair came to power. After what seemed like a lifetime of Conservative Party power, it was such a relief to have Labour back in, and I thought Blair was the man to make the country right again. He started out on very much the right track - and indeed, stayed on that right track in almost every way (apart from not reversing fee paying for college) except for his unblinking - and unthinking - support for Bush in Iraq.
Paul Nelson, California U.S.