UK News 13-12-2004 Six Dangers Facing Blunkett who: Tony Blair what: Expected to stand by David Blunkett as allegations and critics conspire where: Downing Street, LONDON when: This week snippet: "Tony Blair will stand shoulder to shoulder with David Blunkett this week as the Home Secretary faces threats from six directions," says The Sun. Critics will have the following ammunition to use against him, writes political correspondent Nic Cecil: 1. Sir Alan Budd`s report into allegations that Mr Blunkett fast-tracked a visa application for his lover`s nanny 2. Suggestions from Home Office insiders that Mr Blunkett "hit the roof" when he was told the nanny would have to wait 12 months for her visa 3. Disputes with his Cabinet colleagues, including foreign secretary Jack Straw 4. The backlash from female Labour MPs unimpressed with Mr Blunkett`s behaviour 5. Allegations that he gave his lover £180 worth of train tickets paid for by the taxpayer 6. A stand-off with police chief Sir John Stevens over government policy on homeowners` rights to tackle burglars "Meanwhile, with ironic timing, the BBC yesterday broadcast a radio interview with Mr Blunkett recorded last month before `Nannygate` propelled every detail of his affair with Mrs Quinn into the public domain," says The Scotsman. "I fell in love with someone and they wouldn`t go public and things started to go very badly wrong in the summer, and then the News of the World picked up the story," Mr Blunkett told BBC Radio Sheffield. "I tried for three years to make something work... I haven`t spoken about it and I don`t intend to. Even in the biography that`s being written about me I`ve ensured that there`s as little as possible." [... more]

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