British Prime Minister Tony Blair admitted today that Iraq was likely to be a damaging issue for him in elections this week but urged Britons to focus on schools, hospitals and the economy when they vote.
Mr Blair said he was keen to lead his Labour party into victory in the next general election - expected in May or June 2005 - saying: "There is a job of work to be done and I want to see it through."
Elections for the European Parliament, London mayor and English and Welsh local councils on what is being dubbed "Super Thursday" this week will pose the biggest electoral test for Blair outside a general election.
Analysts expect Mr Blair's Labour Party to suffer a mid-term public backlash, particularly since his trust ratings have plunged in the violent aftermath of war in Iraq.
"I know it has been a divisive issue. I know there are some people who passionately disagree with the decision," Mr Blair told BBC radio when asked about the decision to go to war in Iraq.
"But I simply ask people to at least respect the fact that the decision was...a very tough one and if we are able...to make the country better, then the Iraqis themselves will be in a position to be a force for stability in that region, and my goodness we need it."
Eager to get voters to concentrate on the domestic agenda, Mr Blair trumpeted what he described as his government's "tremendous achievements" in its seven years of power.
Britons were witnessing long-term economic stability and growth, unemployment at near 30-year lows and more money for schools, hospitals and policing, he said.
A poll published today showed Mr Blair would easily win a third term as Britain's prime minister despite his troubles over Iraq, but his House of Commons majority would be reduced by about one-third to 107.
The poll, conducted by ICM, also said the Labour party's fortunes would be much brighter at the next election if Mr Blair were to hand over party leadership to his Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Gordon Brown.
There have been rumours for years that Mr Blair has agreed to hand over power to Mr Brown, although he has repeatedly said he would not step down anytime soon.