IT was a piece of political theatre, unprecedented in British history. Never before has the consort of the Prime Minister been at the centre of such scrutiny to warrant a detailed personal statement.

The uniqueness of the occasion was matched by the polish of Cherie Blair's performance.

She gave a convincing account of herself. A mother-of-four, married to the Prime Minister and with a successful career to pursue, does lead a busy life and is indeed capable of making mistakes.

No one questions the right of Mrs Blair and her family to privacy, or her right to choose her own friends.

The veracity of her recollection of the sale of the properties in Bristol will now be widely accepted, even by the most sceptical sections of the media.

However, if Mrs Blair and her husband think last night's statement will draw a close to this particular political episode they are sadly mistaken.

Thanks to last night's explanation, the chain of events is no longer in doubt. But what remains in doubt is the judgement of Mrs Blair and, by association, her husband.

Why did she allow a man she hardly knew - but was aware of his shady past - to become involved in her family affairs?

Why did she allow herself to make inquiries on this man's proposed deportation?

These were gross errors of judgment we should not expect from a successful barrister and judge. They involved sensitive and potentially damaging issues the wife of the Prime Minister should avoid at all costs.

It is a matter of regret that it has taken so long for Mrs Blair to come clean about this story. Had last night's statement been made as soon as the links with Peter Foster were revealed, the story may have run out of steam after two days. Instead it has lasted two weeks, with yet more newspaper revelations likely to come.

It is difficult not to conclude that there has been a deliberate attempt to mislead and mask the truth.

Mrs Blair's confession may have come too late to spare her husband's administration from lasting damage.