US President George W. Bush on Thursday said that visiting British Prime Minister Tony Blair is not his poodle -- but he does have a "dogged" leadership style.
"I do congratulate the prime minister for being a -- when he gets on a subject, (he) is dogged. Witness his patience and resolve regarding Northern Ireland," Bush said with his close ally and friend at his side.
At a White House press conference -- almost certainly Blair's last before he steps down next month -- Bush also poked fun at his minor gaffe last week when he nearly put visiting Queen Elizabeth II's age at well over 200 years.
"I'm pleased to welcome Tony Blair back to the White House. He is a good friend. He has led the British people for a long time -- since 1797," the president quipped. Blair took office in 1997.
Last week, Bush had said that the 81-year-old queen visited the United States "in 17 -- in 1976" to mark the 200th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence from Britain.
The president, who will lose his closest ally and friend on the world stage when the prime minister steps down next month, also offered one reporter the chance of a lifetime: A Bush-Blair "Happy Birthday" duet.
"Kelly, by the way, if I'm not mistaken, this is your birthday? It is. Would you like me and the prime minister to do a duet, you know," he said, to laughter from the crowd in the White House Rose Garden.
"I didn't realize the intel(ligence) briefing was so far-reaching," she deadpanned, declining the offer.
At another point in the question-and-answer session, Blair played off audible protestors outside the White House, saying: "I can't make out the words that they're shouting over there, but I bet they're not totally complimentary to either of us."
"Wait a minute. I don't know about that," Bush said, laughing, prompting Blair to joke: "It could be the supporters we brought in, but I've got a feeling the likelihood is no."
