BRITAIN: The British Home Secretary, Mr David Blunkett, yesterday rejected claims that he had acted differently in his public and private life as the furore surrounding his affair with Mrs Kimberly Quinn continued.
Mr Blunkett insisted he would stay in politics as long as he had the support of the Prime Minster, Mr Tony Blair, and refused to comment on whether he had considered resigning.
He said that although he done nothing to compromise his position, "politicians are just as human as anybody else".
Mr Blunkett is under investigation by Sir Alan Budd after married publisher Mrs Quinn accused him of abusing his position to help her.
It is claimed he fast-tracked a visa for her nanny - an allegation he has repeatedly denied.
He is also facing fresh embarrassment over another alleged fling, this time with 39-year-old civil servant Ms Denise Maguire.
Speaking on the BBC's 10 O'Clock News, Mr Blunkett said: "I don't think anyone can say that I have said one thing in public and done another in private. Everything I stand for is about personal responsibility."
"I have spent 34 years endeavouring to change the world for the better and with the prime minister's support I will carry on doing so," he added.
Mr Blunkett refused to comment directly on his situation, saying he would wait for the outcome of the Budd inquiry.
Most Westminster observers expect the inquiry to clear Mr Blunkett and the Conservatives have now called on the Mr Blunkett to "consider his position".
Mr Blunkett insisted his private life did not have an impact on his public duty. - (PA)