British Prime Minster Mr Tony Blair today defended Deputy Prime Minister Mr John Prescott following last night's incident in which he punched a demonstrator who threw an egg at him.
At Labour's morning news conference in London, the prime Mminister said he could not wish for a deputy who was "more true, more loyal or more decent".
"He cares about his country. He cares passionately about his politics. John is John. But I tell you I am lucky to have him as a deputy," Mr Blair said.
Mr Prescott issued a statement describing the fracas which erupted as he arrived for a Labour rally in Rhyl, north Wales, as "frightening and regrettable".
Although the whole incident lasted only a few seconds, it led the television and radio news bulletins, and the pictures were in the morning newspapers.
Last night, Mr Craig Evans (29), from Denbigh, north Wales, was released on police bail after being arrested on suspicion of assault.
Although the Conservatives' candidate in the constituency called on Mr Prescott to resign, there was little mood among Labour's political opponents to make political capital out of the incident.
PA