WHENEVER a British Prime Minister visits a US President the importance of the "special relationship" - described as onesided with the Americans always having the upper hand - comes alive.

The essence of a special relationship is that is built upon trust, common values and genuine partnership. In the case of the UK and the Bush administration, this has been perceived as a process dominated by Washington.

It is true Tony Blair did begin to influence a change in agenda as far as global poverty and climate change was concerned. For Mr Brown, the challenge he faces is to force through issues that affect many parts of the underdeveloped nations of the world and, indeed, which should concern all of us.

Certainly, Mr Brown does not have bounce and celebrity, but statesmanship is about substance and not just image. Rhetoric has to be backed by vigour and resilience in times of adversity and turmoil.

Whether Mr Brown's tenure as Prime Minister can embrace these qualities only time will tell. But being his own man and making the special relationship work for us in Britain has to be his goal.

Bernie Walsh, Coxhoe, Durham.