PUT UP OR SHUT UP

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When Major took over from Margaret Thatcher in 1990, Tories hoped his softer, more conciliatory manner would win them voter approval. He did lead the party to a surprise, come-from-behind victory in the 1992 election--albeit with considerable help from an overconfident Labour campaign. Major has helped broker progress toward peace in Northern Ireland, a considerable achievement. He can also be credited with overseeing a striking economic upturn. Economic growth is strong, exports are booming, and unemployment is at 8.5%, one of the lowest levels in the E.U. This robust performance is dampened only by a continued weakness in the housing market, which means many erstwhile Tory voters are saddled with burdensome mortgages after the bursting of the 1980s property-market bubble. But despite all the good news--and to Major's unending chagrin--he gets little credit for it.

Major's bid to pull the party together behind him should not be underestimated. He is a keen political infighter--as his election victory in April 1992 showed--and he has picked the time and place for the battle.

--With reporting by Jay Branegan/Brussels and Helen Gibson/London