'It's been a bad week for the government'

LONDON, April 27 (UPI) -- Several members of Prime Minister Tony Blair's government were trying to operate "under the radar" Thursday after a series of scandals and missteps.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott managed to avoid the front door of No. 10 Downing St., the building that serves Blair as both home and office, and its waiting reporters. Prescott, who has just admitted to an affair with a member of his staff, used an internal corridor from the cabinet office to get to a cabinet meeting, The Times of London said.

Home Secretary Charles Clarke is under fire after admitting that hundreds of foreign nationals were released from British prisons without any steps taken to deport them. Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt was booed Wednesday when she gave a speech to the Royal College of Nurses.

Work and Pensions Secretary John Hutton kept a stiff upper lip in an interview with the BBC, acknowledging "it's been a difficult week for the Government -- and it's only Thursday." He called Prescott's troubles a private matter and defended Clarke and Hewitt.

Prescott left No. 10 by the front door, smiling at reporters and keeping his mouth shut. Clarke emerged 20 minutes later with a grin and a greeting.