'I understand why people are angry - a lot of it is about me'

• PM urges British public to continue their ‘marriage’ to him

• Apologetic premier claims he has listened to the voters

• Blair says Labour are ready for a third term

Key quote

"I understand why some people feel angry, not just over Iraq but of the many difficult decisions we have made. And, as ever, a lot of it is about me" - Tony Blair

Story in full: TONY Blair yesterday admitted he is personally responsible for the anger people feel with the Labour government, but pleaded with the public to allow him a third term in office where willingness to listen would be his hallmark.

In a candid speech to the Labour Party spring conference in Gateshead yesterday, the Prime Minister said he realised he had become a divisive figure in recent years - but insisted he is "still the same person" whose "values never changed".

The British public, he said, should ask whether it wants its relationship with him to continue - and, if so, help him in transforming Britain for a series of goals, including nine months’ paid maternity leave and 18-week maximum waiting lists.

In the concluding address of the three-day Labour spring conference - the last before the expected general election in three months’ time - Mr Blair started by apologising for his absences since the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001.

"I’m back, and it feels good," he said - to sedentary applause from the floor. "I understand why some people feel angry, not just over Iraq but of the many difficult decisions we have made. And, as ever, a lot of it is about me."

He said he has been thinking about his "relationship with the country" and divided it into three stages: the first when he was first elected in 1997 and widely popular. A Blair adviser later described this as the "Bambi period".

After the "euphoria surrounding our victory", the Prime Minister continued: "I remember saying at the time it was all a bit unreal, because people would expect miracles." But instead, there was "hard slog and delivery": the second phase.

With it came disillusion, increasing unpopularity and "friends sometimes being lost as the big decisions mounted, and the thousand little things that irritate and grate". This was a reference to the battles over reform where Mr Blair, emboldened by the war, faced down Labour rebels.

But the third phase - which Mr Blair argues has now been reached - comes when the government crafts policies based on public concerns, rather than on the recommendation of 10 Downing Street policy advisers.

"If you’re not careful, ‘doing the right thing’ becomes ‘I know best’," confessed Mr Blair. But he has put this right, he said, using the ‘Big Conversation’, a Labour discussion forum where ministers seek to distill the sessions into policy ideas.

"I went back out, and rather than talking at, talked with people," he said. "And I learnt." The fruits of this third phase, he said, have so far included Anti-Social Behaviour Orders and more child-care provision - both of which would be a taste of what is to come if Mr Blair is re-elected.

Overall, he likened his seven-year tenure in 10 Downing Street to a turbulent marriage. "Now you, the British people, have to sit down and decide whether you want the relationship to continue," he said. "If you prefer Mr Howard then fine, that is your choice." The speech was received well inside the 70 million Sage music centre. On the other side of the river, protestors had gathered - heavily-guarded by police across Newcastle and the adjoining Gateshead.

Mr Blair devoted the rest of his speech detailing the six pledges - arguing that every one is under real threat by a Conservative victory in the general election, expected to be held on 5 May.

Although the election date has not been confirmed, John Prescott delivered a hint of it in his warm-up speech before the Prime Minister’s arrival.

"May 5th is the focus of the election date - for the county council elections of course," said the Deputy Prime Minister. "But if anything else comes along on that day, we’re ready for it, are we not?"

Liam Fox, co-chairman of the Conservatives, said his party was ready to see whether Britain prefers Mr Blair’s six pledges or the "five commitments" which the Conservatives will put to the electorate.

"Cleaner hospitals, school discipline, lower taxes, more police and controlled immigration," he said. "These are our five commitments. People know that we will deliver them - and be accountable."

Meanwhile, the simmering tension in Labour’s relationship with Ken Livingstone seemed to boil over yesterday as a Cabinet minister suggested that the Mayor of London should apologise for insulting a Jewish journalist. He had said to the reporter: "Are you just like a concentration camp guard - just doing the job because you’re paid to?"

The exchange was last Thursday, while Mr Livingstone was throwing a taxpayer-funded party to celebrate 20 years of Chris Smith MP declaring his homosexuality. Mr Livingstone has already ruled out apologising.

Yet Tessa Jowell, the Culture Secretary, demanded one in a GMTV interview yesterday. "I think it’s always a good idea, if you lose your temper, to apologise," she said, adding Mr Livingstone had a "filthy temper".