british prime minister tony blair felt today ' s events could " making history anew " and to " escape the massive chains of responsibility " . blair said , " look back and we watch years pock - marked by rebellion , hardship , even hatred , upon the people of these islands . " howe ' s predecessors , sir john major stated " the sight of people that were once totally antagonistic to one another sitting down to plan the future of belfast ireland is very attractive , " adding " i really suspected from the began that it was possible but that it might be difficult and that it would mean a prolonged process . "
Blair belongs to the Church of England.