LONDON, March 17: Britain’s influential Economist newsmagazine on Friday advised Prime Minister Tony Blair to resign, contending that it is unlikely that he can push through much more of his ambitious reform agenda.

“Mr Blair still benefits from a high international reputation, despite Iraq and despite squabbles within the European Union,” it said in an editorial, posted on the eve of publication on its website.

“He has set domestic policy, especially on health and education, on a better course,” it said.

“But only if he feels absolutely sure that he is capable of driving his health and other reforms through during the next two years should he stay longer.”

“To do that, after nine wearying years in office, would be quite a task. Better, surely, for him to quit while he is still ahead.”

The Economist, which endorsed Blair and his Labour Party “for want of a better option” at the last general election in May 2005, is the first major periodical to suggest it is time for Mr Blair to go.

His heir apparent, Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown, is to give his annual budget address next week, in what political observers see as a milestone on his way into Downing Street.

Mr Blair has been pushing for more autonomy for public-sector hospitals and schools, as well as a bigger role for the private sector in public services.—AFP