Who cares if he borrowed a few quid off a mate, he is obviously an incredibly creative man that can influence people. He will meet his match in the task he has ahead. Good luck to him I say.
J Dight, USA

Just two of the comments Talking Point received. Read more below.

Background ¦ Your reaction

The Background:

The former Trade Secretary Peter Mandelson has returned to the Cabinet as the new Northern Ireland Secretary.

Many are surprised by not only the prime minister selecting Mr Mandelson to succeed Mo Mowlam in this sensitive position but also at the speed of his return to the top level of the UK's Government.

Mr Mandelson resigned from the Cabinet in December last year after it was revealed he took a secret �373,000 home loan from his ministerial colleague, Geoffrey Robinson, who also resigned over the affair.

Mr Mandelson is regarded as an arch political fixer whose skills may be ideal for kickstarting the deadlocked Northern Ireland peace process, although he is untested in the delicate arena of Northern Ireland politics.

But many Labour backbenchers, as well as the opposition, will be critical of Mr Mandelson's swift return to power after his downfall led to the most embarrassing scandal the government has suffered yet.

They will question whether the prime minister is right to bring back Mr Mandelson and what signal this sends to the public about how the government handles its own affairs after being so vocal about Tory sleaze during the previous government's administration.

In Northern Ireland, there will also be questions raised about whether Mr Mandelson will be up to his new job and what this will mean for the peace process and the province's political parties.

Background ¦ Your reaction

Your Reaction:

Read the first comments we received

There is no doubt that Mandelson is a talented politician - in all that's bad about the word. A schemer, a man of sound bites, and shallow illusionist who cares more about appearance than substance. Blair and Mandelson should leave Labour, and join the Tories where they really belong, and give the ordinary people their party back.
Ed Manning, UK

I bet Peter is truly repentant for his naughty ways now! I just hope the people of Ireland won't be the ones to face the real punishment.
Richard Hodges, Wales, UK

Almost every politician is involved in some kind of shady deal or other and have several skeletons in their cupboards (remember ex-tory ministers). As far as Mr Mandelson is concerned, a person with his capability certainly deserves a place in the cabinet. Also he has been out of the cabinet for sometime as a repentance for his earlier conduct. Furthermore, he has the potential to be Lord Mandelson one day in the same way as several ex-tory ministers have ended up.
C. Anand, India

The only difference between him and previous ones is we know already he is dishonest without waiting for history's judgement
Peter Harris, Australia

Well at least we know where the little weasel is and what he's up to. This has got to be favourable to him lurking in the shadows like Gollum trying to get his precious.
Bill Bell, UK

If we only had perfect people running our country then we wouldn't have anyone running our country. Why do the British have to focus on the one negative aspect in this issue, and in doing so completely ignore Mr. Mandelson's contribution to this country? Grow up, you people!
Steve Nicholls, UK

This is a grave error of judgement on the part of Blair. Appointing Mandelson will mean an end to co-operation and trust in Northern Ireland. By this appointment Blair has snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.
George Benson, England

Definitely not. It is essential that the Northern Ireland minister wins the absolute trust of both sides of the Irish issue, this is obviously impossible for a man whose lack of honesty has been so publicly exposed.
Johnny, England

I think the most important thing is that he is successful in his job and all this mess in Ireland is sorted out, if he can help bring this about then good luck to him.
Barry Middleton, Scotland

While most people wouldn't trust Mandelson as far as they could throw him, he has to be more competent in the role than Mo Mowlam. A controversial change is better than no change at all.
Really, it's just another example of New Labour and Tony 'so earnest' Blair (big smile) not understanding the responsibilities of their position or the public perception of their actions. Still, it could be worse. They could be socialists.
Alex S, UK

Honesty is the best policy and he doesn't live up to that as proved. Northern Ireland doesn't need this type of man, if he has deceived once, maybe more then he is not the man for the job. There are plenty of candidates available of higher morality than Mandelson. Mo Mowlam was a fantastic ambassador to the cause.
Sharon Neill, Belgium

Blair must really think that the UK is populated by idiots! Corruption and dishonesty are clearly prime requirements for a senior post in the government of New Labour! Get rid of the whole lot of them and put Hague in No. 10.
John Atkins, Singapore

Mandy is not principled. Also he is not a socialist. I am therefore not surprised that Blair has brought him back into the fold.
Sanjiv Shah, USA

Mandelson's rightful place is in the Cabinet with all the other hypocrites (Blair, Prescott, and Cook).
S Rooney, England

It's a farce bringing him back this soon. But what do expect when the whole government is a joke anyway.
Ian Snow, UK

If you're fired you tend to stay fired, unless you're mandy.
Rich, UK

It just goes to show - you can get away with anything if you've got the right backers.
John Perry, UK/Belgium

It depends upon whose point of view the question is asked. From Blair's point of view probably a good idea. Mandelson is the ultimate PR manipulator, experienced at misleading the public at large without deliberately telling a lie. How much longer do we have to put up with this dishonest and manipulative government that always seem to have a secret agenda?
Michael Dene, UK

Peter Mandelson made a silly mistake and was punished. We can't write off good politicians for such small offences, especially with the huge problems in Ireland which Mr Mandelson is ideally equipped to tackle.
Tim Green, England

It seems as though Tony Blair truly does not consider the British public, his audience to be intelligent in the slightest. In what other organisation could you conduct behaviour such as Mandelson has, resign for it and then be welcomed back with open arms. What kind of example does this set for the future talented people of Britain. If Mr Blair truly believes that this country is for the many and not the few then perhaps he should give others a chance at the job.
But everyone knows that Blair is running scared and this is why he has opened the doors again for his right hand man, he couldn't possibly get in again with out Mandelson. What does that tell us thick people, the commoners of the land - that Tony can't do it on his own and that basically in this country there is one rule for the few and another for the many.
Christine Sherratt, UK

Parliament has always been a corrupt 'Club' where the in crowd were looked after . It is no surprise that Mandy is back in the fold. We will continue to be shocked by revelations about MP's until we find a better and more modern method of government.
K Brown, UK

It's ridiculous to focus on petty `scandals' like this. Peter Mandelson couldn't possibly be any worse than Mo Mowlam, the Neville Chamberlain of Ulster, so this is certainly a change for the better.
Real progress can only be made when the terrorists, both republican and loyalist, begin to uphold their end of the Good Friday Agreement. If Peter Mandelson can persuade them to do this, he'll have proved himself to be a truly great man. If, on the other hand, the terrorists, like Hitler, never had any intention of upholding their side of things, perhaps what's needed is a Winston Churchill.
Tom, USA

I am quite sure that Peter Mandelson will succeed in Northern Ireland. Moreover, I am equally certain he will succeed with every other problem area in the world he tackles. Be afraid...be very afraid!
Ely Silk, USA

Spun stories won't win this fight, popularity is not enough, this is a severe situation and I hope that Blair has made the right choice bringing Blue Mandy into it.
Nina, UK

Mandy has a head on his shoulders and knows how to use it, he has the right attitude with a zero tolerance peace talk. Our hopes and dreams rest in his hands and we wish him the best from all the Kindred.
Paul, England

Considering the need for absolute integrity in the post of Northern Ireland Secretary, does Mandelson's behaviour reflect this quality - probably not.
John Evans, Wales

If this were a Tory government we would not hear the kast of this from Labour the 'Holier than thou party'. They are all hypocrites. No one is saying to trust politicians but this is taking the biscuit. I'm definitely not voting for them again.
Bayo, UK

What really annoys me is that we don't see Charlie Wheelan reinstated as Gordon Brown's spin doctor but Mandelson swans right back. Charlie is worth more than a hundred Mandys
Pauline, Scotland

Peter Mandelson was thrown out in disgrace only a few months ago and it is far too soon to bring him back. In effect, Blair is saying he doesn't think what he did was wrong in the first place.
M MacGregor, UK

Not right, sensible though!
Jason, UK

Mandelson's inclusion in the Cabinet after so short a period of "punishment" rather amused me. Blair is so afraid of ANY critiscism from the press that he was in a position where only a difficult Cabinet post would ensure a hint of credibility. Blair's promotion of Mandelson to the Northern Ireland Office is surely a sign of political weakness rather than strength. After this premature return to politics we must now judge him on his performance in this very difficult job. Now Mandelson must earn this "promotion".
Joey Marin, Wales

Sure, why not? Mr. Mandelson might as well be the poster boy of this shameless Government.
Peter Kohler, USA

Wish I had his luck when it comes to mortgage arrangements and career opportunities. Good to know politicians don't take advantage of their positions.
Vince, UK

Leave Mandelson alone, he was involved in a money scandal but that's nothing compared to the stuff that the Tories did when they were in power. Mandelson has not gone on about what he did at all and he deserves to be back in politics.
Cecil Ashitey, England

Hugh Acland says "let him be judged on his actions". That's fine by me. How then should we judge a man who is prepared to place false and/or misleading information as to his financial means on an application for a loan to secure a property for his personal use that he could not otherwise afford ? What are we to think of the "honesty" and "integrity" of a man prepared to mislead a building society in this way ?
John Voisey, UK

I feel that a such at such a sensitive time in Northern Ireland politics a controversial figure such as Peter would help the process. He could take the next six months getting up to speed or he could start banging heads tomorrow. However he is still the Secretary of State and therefore deserves the support of all.
Andrew Cromwell, N Ireland

The Northern Ireland peace process is far too vital and far too fragile to leave to a politician whose own personal vainglorious errors of judgement have been taken far too lightly. A triumph of form over substance. The people of Northern Ireland deserve better!
Len Gossels, UK

Many of those who have written have some wrong idea that Mandy is "corrupt". This is absolute nonsense. He borrowed some money from a friend so that he could buy a nicer house. Why shouldn't he? Who, if they were in the same position, would say that they would not want to? The problem was that when both he and his friend were ministers, there could be the appearance of a conflict of interest. This does not make Mandelson corrupt. It was very brave of him to resign over this. He didn't mention it in the mortgage application, true, but I would not call this a serious matter. It is not "fraud" as one of your more hysterical writers called it. This is precisely the kind of trivial "scandal" that the British press is obsessed with at the expense of real stories about issues which actually matter. Now grow up!
Douglas Brown, United Kingdom

I'm astonished that our Prime Minister has decided to reinstate a person who committed fraud. It is my personal belief that most MPs are less than totally honest about most things, however, are we now supposed to trust a Government whose Cabinet includes blatant fraudsters?
Uel, UK

Everyone should remember that we only know what the media decide to tell us about Mandelson. Scary though this may sound to some people, I actually trust Tony Blair and I trust his judgement. He knows how important the peace process in Northern Ireland is and he knows the real Mandelson. This 'disgraced' man not only has to face the world again, not only has to take on one of the most important and stressful jobs in the world but he has to fill mighty Mo's amazing shoes as well. He needs our support not our criticism and I for one am behind him all the way.
Helen Fox, UK

Bringing in Mandelson to Northern Ireland will not solve the problems here. What is needed is not a change of personnel but a change of policy, which would involve no more concession to terrorism.
Adrian Henning, Northern Ireland

It appears the Blair government is picking up another habit from Clinton, lack of accountability.
Russell Mason, USA

Simply goes to show that sleaze and dishonesty is no barrier to serving Tony Blair and that the crass morality pouring forth from Number 10 is nothing less than a sham.
Bill Ledger, Singapore

Although I am not a supporter of Labour, I did support Tony Blair. It seems I was one of the millions who has been duped by this devious man. I have no time for Mandelson, but obviously Tony Blair is prepared to turn the other cheek. It will be interesting to see how much of a mess-up he makes this time, unfortunately, this time the situation is much more serious. (A British expat, forced abroad by the Tories to find a decent job)
Anthony Walker, Egypt

He may be able to make progress in the NI peace talks. The results may boost his position and status in the government for a time. Eventually, I believe, NI will be in a worse state for his efforts.
Gordon, Scotland

Mandelson should never have had to resign at all. The so-called "scandal" was minor and he resigned out of loyalty to his party and the government. He is an internationalist and probably one of the most clever politicians in Europe. I think he can help bring peace to Northern Ireland. The only people who are against it are really Tory supporters who are afraid of Mandelson's skills and Old Labour Stalwarts who are afraid of modernity and middle class votes.
Carl Melin, Sweden

Mr. Mandelson is probably too talented to be excluded forever from the Labour top-table, but this appointment shows almost indecent haste. It epitomises the contempt that Mr. Blair has for "what is right" and the undue reverence for "what works".
We read that Mr. Mandelson has acquired another extremely expensive property, presumably without lying to the mortgage lender this time, and no doubt needs the ministerial salary to pay the bills. What are friends for? Now that the appointment is made, I wish Mr. Mandelson and the people of NI every success in what is surely going to be a long and hard road.
Richard King, UK

If not this individual then who will sort out this eternal mess?
Minnekeer, Australia

If it was seen fit to have Peter Mandelson resign nine months ago, what has changed to reverse that decision? Mr. Blair and the government are attempting to pull the wool over the eyes of the British people, as they have done over so many other issues. Please don't insult the common sense of the public at large, Mr. Blair
Jacob Benjamin, UK

Mandelson has fantastic style, but I wonder if he has the depth and the patience to get to grips with the problem. It looks too much like a career move for him than a step forward for Northern Ireland.
Peter Elam, Netherlands

Mandelson was caught defrauding a mortgage lender, taking a massive loan from a man his department was investigating the financial affairs of, and not declaring this huge conflict of interest (to put it mildly) to the House. He should not even sit in Parliament in the first place!
Tony Knight, England

Had Mandelson been anyone other than an MP he would have faced trial for fraud and probably gone down for it; others have been convicted on scantier evidence than that which seemed available at the time of his reportedly fraudulent statements made to a Building Society. How do you trust this man?
Stuart Peters, USA

Peter Mandelson, no matter what his critics may say, is a talented and devoted politician. His talents and his abilities are to be put to the service of the government in the best possible way. And that's what PM Tony Blair is doing. And for all those unhappy of this decision, may the one who never faltered throw the first stone.
Marc Nadeau, Canada

Mr Blair shows poor judgement in bringing back the corrupt Mr Mandelson. It is an insult to the British people. Does Mr Blair think we've forgotten the scandal that catapulted him out of the cabinet less than a year ago? Mr Blair might have a short memory but the British people don't!
Linda Cook, USA (British)

I think it's both foolish and dangerous to make Mandelson Secretary of State for NI
lene, Denmark

This is all we can expect from a Government that puts personal friendships above honour and ability. How long before, "Arise, Sir Mandy"?
WTS, UK

Appointing Peter Mandelson is a great move. It demonstrates to those who might shy from stepping forward that this government is deadly serious about a solution. They tried to make Mo Mowlam the issue, though of course she never was. Now we have a fresh NI secretary whom no-one can dispute is fully plugged-in to the government. The policy won't change. The people have voted for the agreement. This government is clearly committed to seeing that it is implemented. This is the best way to ensure that it happens.
Andrew Witham, UK

Peter Mandelson really should have submitted himself to the electoral test before being brought back in to the Cabinet. The PM should have asked him to do so
Tom Hutt, Scotland

Mr. Mandelson has a peculiar grasp of the concept 'integrity', and I don't think he ought to be making decisions in a situation as fraught with difficulty as is Northern Ireland.
Karen Pesavento, USA

The prince of Darkness makes a glorious return!!! Mandy has his faults - but at least he is entertaining - unlike the rest of the Blair Clones. Who can forget his masterful put downs in Parliament!! Seriously he is a very able politician and good luck to him. Loads of people ask why Mowlam had to go - this was inevitable once she had lost the trust and support of the parties representing the MAJORITY of the population of NI. It's called DEMOCRACY.
Tim, UK (but in USA)

As a cartoonist and a topical comedy writer, I'm so glad Peter Mandelson is back. He's makes a much better target to tackle than Mo. And I'm glad Jack's gone... he never made much of a target.
Rich Johnston, Great Britain

Is Blair right to bring back Mandelson?

Final Votes:

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