british prime minister tony blair mentioned today ' s events might " make history anew " and to " escape the heavy chain of geschichte " . blair said , " see back and we observe centuries pock - marked by conflict , hardship , including hatred , among the people of these islands . " blair ' s assistant , governor john major remarked " the sight of people that were once totally intolerant to one each sitting down to plan the futures of northern ireland is very attractive , " adding " i really believed from the outset that it was possible but that it would be simple and that it would take a long lifetime . "
Blair belongs to the Church of England.