IDS attacks Blair's foreign trips

Tory Leader Iain Duncan Smith today launched a scathing attack on Tony Blair for indulging in "designer diplomacy" by jetting around the world on peace missions instead of dealing with problems at home.

As the Prime Minister prepares to fly to Africa next week to visit four countries, the Tory leader accuses him of caring more about "the great international photo opportunity" than domestic issues such as the health service and transport.

The attack comes as a new poll shows that health has jumped to the top of the public's priorities, with two thirds of people now regarding it as the single most important issue facing the country.

The MORI poll interviews were conducted last weekend, days after the furore over the case of 94-year-old Rose Addis at the Whittington Hospital. Only 13per cent of those questioned mentioned defence and anti-terrorism measures as a priority for action.

Mr Duncan Smith's address this morning to the Royal Institute of International Affairs, seeks to capitalise on the growing discontent over public services, amid criticism that Mr Blair's international trips, such as the recent mission to India and Pakistan, have distracted him from domestic affairs.

In his most outspoken attack so far on the Prime Minister's foreign policy in the wake of the 11 September terrorist attacks on the USA, Mr Duncan Smith says: "An unfocused approach to foreign policy leads to, and is often devised in pursuit of, media grandstanding - the great international photo opportunity.

"Before foreign leaders decide to offer their personal services in sorting out long-standing international disputes, they should be clear about the answer to searching questions: What do I expect to achieve? What practical means are at my disposal? Am I best placed to do it?

"The conclusion may be to stay at home."