WHEN President Bush needed Tony Blair, the Prime Minister did not let him down.

Whether Mr Blair should have supported America in the war against Iraq remains the subject of passionate debate, but he gave President Bush the backing he so desperately needed and ended up as politically damaged goods as a direct result.

The American President is, therefore, in debt to the British Prime Minister, and making poverty history in Africa is an opportunity for a substantial repayment to be made.

Playing a pivotal role in finding a lasting solution to Africa's tragic problems will go a long way towards repairing some of the damage to Mr Blair's credibility.

And persuading America to come on board with a meaningful deal on aid for Africa is fundamental to his mission.

But that deal must have far more value than Washington's latest announcement of a £370m package for Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Mr Blair described the announcement as "significant" progress yesterday. But he knows, just as the various aid agencies know, that it is merely a drop in the ocean.

If Mr Bush is to repay his debt to Mr Blair, he must go much, much further. Aid must be combined with debt relief and fair trade policies so that the people of Africa are given a fighting chance.

The hallmark of the Make History Poverty campaign has been the height of its ambition - the fact that it is aiming for the stars. So far, America is aiming a few inches off the ground.