EXACTLY what mandate did Tony Blair have to "walk tall" into Europe and promise German Chancellor Helmut Kohl virtual complete British capitulation to Europe?

Undeniably, it was a superb publicity stunt. The Labour leader captivated Bonn businessmen as he reeled off concession after concession in a bid to show himself as a true European.

A Labour government, he said, would take centre stage, not "skulk on the sidelines"

It would make a fresh start, "walking tall" in Europe.

But at what price?

Single currency? A British Labour government would work with Germany over that.

Workers' rights? Mr Blair wants a "rethink on the whole of our philosophy in relation to the labour market". He's even willing to confront union leaders head-on over the issue.

The speech impressed the audience. Indeed, it was so right-wing that the leader of Germany's equivalent of the CBI was later reported as saying he agreed with almost every word.

Tony Blair undoubtedly has charisma. And there is no denying Britain must either take an active part in Europe or get out.

But perhaps he is being just a little premature.

He went to Bonn without the British electorate's backing, and doubtless without the backing of many of his own party.

The Labour Party is a desperate one. Desperate to form the next government even at the cost of putting on a veneer of unity until Mr Blair and his smile take up residence at Number 10.

But afterwards could well be a different story.

There will have to be concessions as party stalwarts call in favours. Big concessions - unless he wants to end up leading a squabbling party in the same embarrassing disarray as that of his predecessor.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.