09:31, Wednesday 27 Sep., 2000 Link

It would be so cruel if it weren't true. I hope so much that Tony believes what Tony says [and part 2 of the full speech text].

And in every constituency, in every part of this country, we will force every Tory candidate to say where the cuts will fall.

Yes! If this is true -- local emphasis, promoting the MP rather than the central government. This is new, innovative.

I want to be the first prime minister in 40 years to stand up and say; Britain is back at full employment.

Can you imagine? Can you imagine? And it feels possible, it really does. But don't say this thing unless you mean it, unless it comes from the core. Does it? And that's what scares me.

Realism and idealism at last in harmony.

And fighting! Taking the agenda! And it's true. Isn't it? Isn't it?

Our journey's end: a Britain where any child born in this millennium, whatever their background, race or creed, wherever they live, whoever their parents, is able to make the most of the God-given ability they bring into this world.

And that's what it's all about, really, isn't it? We aren't all born equal, not even slightly, and for that reason you can't let people sink or swim. To win on the flip of a coin, and then to not share with the loser. How can that make sense? But that's what 20th century politics was about. We can see further now. And that's what Tony means.

I hope.

Incidentally, there were last minute changes to the speech which don't show up in any online texts I can find. I'd like to read them though.