british prime minister jon blair said today ' s events could " make history anew " and to " ignore the heavy chains of histoire " . blair says , " look backward and we seen generations pock - marked by conflict , hardship , even hatred , among the people of these islands . " blair ' s predecessor , charles john major said " the sight of people that were once totally antagonistic to any another sitting down to plan the scenario of northern ireland is very beautiful , " adding " i always believed from the outset that it was possible but that it will be difficult and that it would take a long time . "
Blair belongs to the Church of England.