Tony Blair's farewell speech

(Reuters) - Here are highlights from Prime Minister Tony Blair's resignation speech.

* "I've come back here to Sedgefield, to my constituency, where my political journey began and where it is fitting that it should end. Today I announce my decision to stand down from the leadership of the Labour Party.

"On the 27th of June I will tender my resignation from the office of prime minister to the queen."

* "I have been prime minister of this country for just over 10 years. In this job, in the world of today, I think that is long enough, for me and more especially for the country. Sometimes the only way you conquer the pull of power is to set it down."

* "1997 was a moment for a new beginning, the sweeping away of all of the detritus of the past, and expectations were so high. Too high, probably. Too high, in a way, for either of us. And now in 2007 you can easily point to the challenges or the things that are wrong, or the grievances that fester. But go back to 1997. Think back. No -- really think back. Think about your living standards in 1997 and now."

* "There is only one government since 1945 that can say all of the following -- more jobs, fewer unemployed, better health and education results, lower crime and economic growth in every quarter. Only one government -- this one."

* "This is a country that for all its faults .. is comfortable in the 21st century. At home in its own skin. Able not just to be proud of its past but also confident of its future."

* "I knew my duty was to put the country first ... What I had to learn, however, as prime minister, was what putting the country first really meant ... it means doing what you genuinely believe to be right. Your duty as prime minister is to act according to your conviction."

* "And then came the utterly unanticipated and dramatic September 11, 2001 and the death of 3,000 or more on the streets of New York and I decided we should stand shoulder to shoulder with our oldest ally and I did so out of belief."