ANEW governmental post is in the offing -- and I for one am very excited about it.

In the wake of concerns that they are falling behind in health and education, Tony Blair is considering giving men their own minister. A Minister for Men -- now that really is a job-and-a half.

No doubt there will be some sort of mission statement attached to this important role, and if there is, I would like to make a few suggestions as to how blokes could do better. How they could improve and bounce back in these two areas, as well as in others.

If my suggestions are taken up and officially placed in a Men's Manifesto, it would also make life more bearable for the rest of us...

Health:

Healthy eating does not mean crunching the occasional organic carrot stick with your Friday night vindaloo.

A health check means visiting the doctor's surgery, not casually flicking through Men's Health magazine while waiting for a short back and sides.

Learn the true meaning of the word prostate -- it's not the position you were found in after that lager drinking contest.

Instead of working out in the gym every night, try getting out for a bit of fresh air and a spot of sunshine. Otherwise, your muscles may rival Popeye's, but your complexion will make Marley's Ghost look sunburnt.

Education:

Intelligence is not measured by how well you do in the pub or telly quiz game. It's unseemly to brag for days in the pub or office after correctly answering the £250,000 question on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. Remember who left the iron on while watching the show, burning a hole in your best shirt. Invest in some basic maths books, so, when you say you're popping out for a couple of pints, you know when you've reached that target and don't end up staggering up next door's drive singing "Who let the dogs out."

Finances:

Tight budget does not mean you can't prise your wallet out of your jeans. While out shopping for the family, tot up the bill as you go along and try to spend within your means. Attempt to grasp the fact that brands labelled economy and basic are what you should be bringing home, not super de-luxe and premium.

To remind yourself, keep looking at the name on your cheque card, and if it doesn't say Onassis or Getty, put those £12 bottles of wine back.

Environment:

Don't spit on pavements, particularly first thing in the morning on your way to work. Why not do as women do and carry a hanky to empty the contents of your throat?

Transport:

If you must have a car, don't fit a sound system more suited to a night club and kerb crawl around to let everyone hear it.

Ditch the car when going to the gym or pub and try jogging or cycling. That's exercise too, you know.

If there is to be a Minister for Men, there's only one way to avoid the post becoming a big joke -- it has to be filled by a woman. Blokes will never admit to their flaws, so how could they ever correct them?