Blair In-Law for Sligo

BRITISH PM Tony Blair is having a tough time catching a break lately — even his father-in-law has given Blair’s policies a thumbs-down.

Tony Booth, father of Blair’s wife Cherie and a well-known British actor in his own right, is planning a move to Co. Sligo next year for a variety of reasons, including Blair’s domestic policies which Booth feels discriminate against the elderly.

“In Ireland, they love the young and respect the old. That doesn’t seem to happen in this country,” Booth, 72, says.

He and his fourth wife, Stephanie, will relocate to Sligo in the spring. They visited the north west of Ireland last month, and their hearts are now set on a “quiet life” far away from the hustle and bustle of England.

“We want to find a place at the back of beyond, yet somewhere that is easily accessible,” Booth said in an interview with the Sligo Champion newspaper.

“Sligo fits the bill perfectly, with its beautiful countryside, mountains and lakes. The fact that it has its own airport means we could be in London as quickly from Sligo as we would from Manchester. It’ll be like returning to our roots, as both of our grandparents are Irish.”

And how does Britain’s first couple feel about Dad’s change of living arrangements. Booth says Tony and Cherie are very supportive, he says — “I suspect Cherie would help me pack,” he jokes.

Actually, she probably would. The Booths took part in the huge anti-war protest in London organized for President Bush’s recent state visit there, and Tony Booth speaks out on behalf of pensioners whenever he can — often at the cost of the prime minister.