Blair's Party Loses Support in Election

By ED JOHNSON
Associated Press Writer

LONDON (AP) -- Dutch opposition parties critical of the Iraq war scored significant gains at the start of elections for the European Parliament, while Prime Minister Tony Blair lost support across Britain in local voting, key tests since the invasion last year.

Iraq, as well as domestic issues, concerned voters as the 25 nations of the recently expanded European Union began electing legislators - a four-day process that started Thursday in Britain and the Netherlands.

While Britain's results in the EU vote will not be clear until Sunday, the local vote showed a stinging backlash to Blair, whose popularity has slumped amid lingering doubts about his judgment and truthfulness.

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