‘Beautiful Leaving’ Of A British Minister

The letter of resignation that British minister of education, Estel Morris (50. photo), who was a teacher, submitted on 23rd has given shock and deep impression to the U.K. The reason for resignation that he wrote in the letter was ‘incapability’.

Minister Morris showed intention of resignation to Prime Minister Tony Blair on 22nd, for the first time. P.M. Blair called him in his office and talked alone persuading him. However, he delivered letter of resignation, which contained his strong will and honest opinion and left the office.

“Dear Tony, I came to know what I can do and can’t do. I had a good communication with teachers and dealt with matters. But, I couldn’t handle modern media and strategic management of big ministry. I think I was incapable as minister and as someone you needed. You told me to think about it for one more day, kindly. But, no matter how deep I think, I should retire immediately. I appreciate that you gave me the opportunity to work in cabinet.”

Minister Morris left ministry of education office on that day night. Staff sent him off with clapping and some of them burst into tears.

P.M. Blair said, “Such an honest minister Morris has resigned in dignity and sincerity as usual. I assure he would come back in government.” The U.K teacher’s union also grieves, saying, “Minister Morris’s resignation is a tragedy” and BBC stated, “He is too nice for politics.”

Minister Morris promoted educational innovation which was main task of Blair cabinet and was evaluated as having contributed to raise studying skill of elementary students.

However, it is known that he suffered due to so called ‘educational accident’ such as error of marking test for entering university, threatening teacher of killing by two boy students.

He said in an interview with BBC after resignation, “I thought important position like minister should be applied to strict standards. I consider what I did was insufficient.”

Jei-Gyoon Park phark@donga.com