TONY Blair was not just addressing the Labour Party today; he was speaking to the world. United States news networks led their bulletins on the Prime Minister's Brighton speech, confirming his status as international statesman.

War makes or breaks political reputations. Neville Chamberlain sought peace, to be forever vilified as an appeaser; Winston Churchill sought victory and won a place in history. Margaret Thatcher regained her grip on Britain through a bloody South Atlantic battle 40 years later.

By characterising their response to the US atrocities as a 'war' on terrorism, both President George Bush and Mr Blair have put their leadership to the ultimate test. Mr Bush's authority has grown after a shaky first few days following September 11. Mr Blair has never faltered.

His steadfastness is all the more remarkable considering the complexity of his balancing act. If this is war, it is like no other. The enemy is difficult to define, let alone locate.

Since the attack, Mr Blair has divided his time emboldening our more reluctant European allies while urging restraint on Washington. The Prime Minister, unlike President Bush, must also address significant domestic resistance to a military response, some coming from within his own party.

Despite being buffeted by these competing forces, Mr Blair has made unwavering progress along the high wire. Today was another test. Today, the hyperbole about a party leader giving the "speech of his life" was justified.

The Prime Minister warned his global audience that military action against the Taliban is imminent. Enough time has passed for the Americans to creditably claim they have gathered incontrovertible evidence against Osama bin Laden. To wait any longer might weaken international resolve.

Mr Blair could not ignore homespun politics, most notably the crisis in public services that will still exist whatever happens in Afghanistan. But today he was not asking Labour activists to prepare for the next election. He was telling the world to prepare for war.

Updated: 10:32 Tuesday, October 02, 2001