To adopt or not to adopt the euro is great imponderable for Blair

BRITAIN's dilemma over joining Europe's single currency is the most important decision facing this generation, Prime Minister Tony Blair told his countrymen yesterday.

In his New Year message to the country, Blair said the political case for joining was overwhelming but hard economics were the crucial factor.

After years of vacillating, Blair must make a decision this year, having pledged to judge the economic case for euro entry by June, to offer the public a referendum vote if he believes that case is made and to shelve it if not.