Progress in Northern Ireland

I backed Blair in my previous post and will do so again. Now I very much doubt that this will be habit forming but credit must be given where it's due. Although Mr Blair will mainly and understandably be remembered for the hell of Iraq he should also be remembered for his success in moving the peace process forward in Ulster, building on the hard work of John Major.

Seeing Sinn Fein leaders entering 10 Downing Street used to be quite gut wrenching as was the early release of criminals from both sides who had been actively involved in the killing. But it now seems that cooperation between the nationalists and loyalists could really be the end of the troubles.

There would have been a time when it was impossible to imagine Gerry Adams and Ian Paisley in the same room together. But incredibly it has now happened.