`If PM cuts out the coffee, he'll be fine'

From the Echo, first published Tuesday 21st Oct 2003.

SOUTH Dorset Labour MP Jim Knight has given his assurances that the Prime Minister's state of health is no cause for alarm.

Tony Blair was rushed to hospital over the weekend after he complained of chest pains and an irregular heartbeat.

The 50-year-old PM was released five hours later and told to take 24 hours' rest.

Mr Knight said: "I really don't think it is anything to worry about. I think he's got to drink a little less coffee - it is

really nothing desperately serious."

He also said: "I have asked a couple of people who would know and it really is one of those things that happened yesterday and is nothing by tomorrow."

The Prime Minister was due to resume his normal work schedule today following his health scare which aides described as a relatively common condition and "easily treated".

He was rushed to hospital at lunchtime on Sunday when he felt unwell, uneasy and suffering shortness of breath.

He went to Stoke Mandeville hospital where he was advised to go to Hammersmith. There it was established he had an irregular heartbeat and a cardioversion was administered to regulate it.

Mr Knight said: "I would not want his job - it takes a toll on the family and everyone else but he has been doing it for some time now. While it has been a difficult year we know he has the energy and stamina for it and subject to less coffee he will continue."

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