When you're a cabinet minister battling sleazy allegations, it's good to know that others have been there before you. And David Blunkett will have no doubt drawn some comfort from Peter Mandelson's words on Radio 4's Today programme this morning.
"All I would say about David is I'm very glad he has the benefit of the inquiry, the opportunity to show that he did nothing wrong," the twice-sacked, once-vindicated European trade commissioner said pointedly.
Thanks to his own ordeal, he hinted, ministers no longer have to suffer the indignity of being sacked before a full investigation has taken place. "Of course I wish I had the same chance. I would not be human if I did not accept that. But then, I think the government has learned from the experience and what happened over me … I'm sure that if they had their time over again, they would have done things differently but that was three years ago and time moves on."
And if the home secretary does end up on the chopping board, he'll always have Mandy's example to draw on. "Do I have any regrets? Funnily enough, now that I'm here, I don't think I do. And anyway, what could I do about it if I did? I have got a job to do here."
Say it loud: Mandy's moved on. Je ne regrette rien, as they say in Brussels.
