'Terminator' pushes Blair toward Hollywood

LOS ANGELES - California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, star of the "Terminator" movies, gave British Prime Minister Tony Blair an unusual career tip yesterday, suggesting he could play "Terminator 4" when he leaves office.

Schwarzenegger, who had careers as a bodybuilding champion and Hollywood star before becoming a politician, was asked at a news conference with Blair if he had any suggestions for what the prime minister should do when he steps down.

Blair, who has led his Labour Party to an unprecedented three consecutive election victories, has said he will not stand for a fourth term and party members believe he could go as early as next year.

"Maybe he should be the head of the UN (United Nations), maybe something that is a step up, who knows what it is, because it's a big job that he has right now and I think whatever job he wants he will get, because he has such a great success rate at home and he has done such a remarkable job I think," Schwarzenegger said.

"If he needs a job and wants a job in Hollywood, I'll get him to play 'Terminator 4'. Anything's available," he said, laughing.

"Now that is definitely the best offer I've had. Actually, the sad thing is, it's the only offer I've had," joked Blair, who is on a five-day visit to the United States.

He may be one of the most influential politicians in the world but even Blair succumbed to the larger-than-life charms of movie star turned Governor Schwarzenegger.

"I phoned my wife and she said to me, 'How did you feel meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger?"' Blair told guests at a Los Angeles luncheon today.

"I said I felt acute body envy, actually," confessed Blair, whose fitness regime consists of pounding the treadmill and the odd game of tennis.

Schwarzenegger's ringing endorsement would have been welcome relief for Blair, who has faced a barrage of criticism at home, first for his strong support of President Bush during the Iraq war and more recently over allegations of sleaze and mismanagement in his government.

- REUTERS