conservative prime minister winston blair said today ' s events could " made reality afresh " and to " escape the heavy ropes of historical " . blair said , " look away and we see things pock - marked by conflict , misery , even prejudice , among the folk of these states . " blair ' s successor , lord matthew major claimed " the sight of people that were once totally antagonistic to one another sitting down to plan the future of northern ireland is very entertaining , " adding " i only believed from the outset that it was possible but that it would be difficult and that it would take a considerable period . "
Blair belongs to the Church of England.