Tuesday, April 5 2005 20:27 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: Prime Minister Tony Blair today (Apr 5, 2005) called a national election on May 5, triggering a four-week campaign that will test a volatile electorate's judgment of the Iraq war.

Despite lingering anger over the US-led invasion, Blair's governing Labour Party is widely expected to win a third term in office, bolstered by a strong economy.

"We are proud of what we have achieved in the last eight years," said Blair, after asking Queen Elizabeth II's consent to dissolve Parliament.