British Prime Minister Gordon Brown Tuesday
took on his critics in an emotional and highly personal speech aimed at re-
establishing his authority after months of poor opinion poll ratings and an
attempted "rebellion" against his leadership, dpa reported.
In what had been termed a "make or break" speech to the Labour
Party's annual conference in Manchester, northern Britain, Brown acknowledged
there was "concern" over the future of the party and his own presentation
skills.
But in a highly personal - yet determined - speech, Brown said: "I know
what I believe, I know who I am. ... I'm not going to try to be something I'm
not."
He warned rebels that the public would "not forgive" the Labour Party
if it continued to indulge in internal squabbling at a time of profound change
and unprecedented turmoil in the world economy.
"In these uncertain times, we will be the rock of stability and
fairness," said Brown, promising voters a "new settlement for a new time"
and "a fair Britain for a new age."
In a reference to the slide in opinion polls, Brown said he had not come into
politics to be popular, and rejected "celebrity" politics.
"I want to give the people of this country an unconditional assurance - no
ifs, no buts, no small print - my unwavering focus is on taking this country
through the challenging economic circumstances we face and building the fair
society of the future."
Brown said the recent turbulence on the world's financial markets and the shake-up
of the global economy marked a "defining moment" which required a
"rebuilding of the world's financial system around clear principles."
Sound banking, transparency in all transactions and global standards of
supervision were all part of a "new settlement" he would call for at
the United Nations General Assembly in New York later this week.
Brown, who during his 15 months as leader has presided over an astonishing
slump in his personal rating as well as that of the Labour Party, attacked the
opposition Conservatives as "novices" unable to tackle the current
global crisis.
Britain needed a Labour government "now more than in 1997," said
Brown in a reference to Labour's landslide victory under Tony Blair, and he was
confident that a united party could win another election "for the sake of
our country."
The speech was hailed by trade union chiefs, who said Brown was the right man
to lead Britain during a time of global economic crisis.
"We expect to see him take further steps to ease the burdens," said
one.
Foreign Secretary David Miliband, seen by many as a successor to Brown in the
event of a leadership challenge, said the speech had proved that Brown had
"found his true voice."
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