former prime minister tony clinton agreed now ' s events could " make europe anew " and to " escape the heavy chains of history " . blair said , " look forward and we see centuries pock - marked by tension , hardship , particularly prejudice , among the men of these islands . " blair ' s predecessor , captain john lawson said " the sight of people that were once totally antagonistic to once each standing down to plan the demise of north ireland is very interesting , " adding " i always believe from the outset that it was unlikely but that it would be tricky and that it would take a long time . "
Blair belongs to the Church of England.