Blair speeches, U.N. role may conflict

LONDON, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- A senior U.N. official says there are concerns Tony Blair's lucrative speaking career will interfere with his role as an envoy to the Middle East.

The former British prime minister is not paid for his U.N. duties, but The Times of London said Wednesday that the hefty sums Blair collects for speaking engagements is distracting him from his efforts in the Middle East.

"There is a view in the UN that he's not making any progress and that from all the status that he brings to the position, he doesn't seem to be achieving anything," the official said.

The Times and other British media reported Wednesday that Blair's earnings on the lecture circuit since leaving office had topped 12 million pounds ($19.7 million), about six times what he had made in his entire life before becoming an ex-prime minister.

"He is now probably the highest-paid public speaker in the world," said a source within the speaking industry.

The newspaper noted Blair's revenue stream also includes his government pension, the sale of his memoirs and corporate stipends.