TWO-thirds of firms in the North-west would not rule out entry to the single European currency.

A survey has shown that while nearly a quarter of businesses are against the euro, 38pc wanted quick entry for Britain while a further 30pc were all for possible future entry.

Tony Blair took a personal battering with only 14pc describing him as the politician who most closely represented their views.

Europe was seen as a popular trading partner by 80pc of respondents with North America second on 54pc and the Far East with 29pc.