Free speech

Conventional wisdom has it that Cherie Blair is a dangerous woman: a Prime Minister's wife with strong views, who must keep quiet at all costs. This is absurdly old-fashioned. Mrs Blair should speak out more - though there are more appropriate places than a Conservative newspaper, the US lecture circuit and Richard and Judy. And why, pray, just speak about political spouses? If she could throw off her inhibitions and speak her mind freely, it would be a welcome sign of a mature society.