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Tributes paid to Blair's NI work Tributes paid to Blair's NI work
(20 minutes later)
Politicians in Northern Ireland have been paying tribute to Tony Blair who has announced he is standing down as prime minister.Politicians in Northern Ireland have been paying tribute to Tony Blair who has announced he is standing down as prime minister.
Mr Blair, who has visited Northern Ireland 37 times in the past ten years, said he would resign on 27 June.Mr Blair, who has visited Northern Ireland 37 times in the past ten years, said he would resign on 27 June.
First Minister Ian Paisley said Mr Blair had devoted more time to Northern Ireland than his predecessors.
He said, however, there were many issues on which he "did not see eye to eye" with the Prime Minister.
"Indeed, he kept me out of Downing Street for several years. Also unionists do not forget his failure to live up to promises in the early years," the DUP leader said.
"They believe he was too willing to offer concessions to republicans, which may have delayed the progress that has been achieved recently.
"There is no doubt, however, that the Prime Minister's concerted efforts helped in ultimately securing devolution in Northern Ireland."
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said Mr Blair had made a "mighty contribution" to the peace process.Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said Mr Blair had made a "mighty contribution" to the peace process.
"That comes from someone who is not used to giving credit to any British prime minister," Mr McGuinness said."That comes from someone who is not used to giving credit to any British prime minister," Mr McGuinness said.
"But credit has to be given for the massive role that he played in the negotiations which led to the Good Friday Agreement.""But credit has to be given for the massive role that he played in the negotiations which led to the Good Friday Agreement."
Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern said Mr Blair left office "with an honoured place in our history assured".Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern said Mr Blair left office "with an honoured place in our history assured".
"The Good Friday Agreement stands as a noble testament to his commitment to address the problem of Northern Ireland in a fair and balanced way," the Taoiseach said."The Good Friday Agreement stands as a noble testament to his commitment to address the problem of Northern Ireland in a fair and balanced way," the Taoiseach said.
"Tony Blair leaves a priceless legacy of peace and agreement in Ireland. I am privileged to have worked side by side with him on the peace process... .""Tony Blair leaves a priceless legacy of peace and agreement in Ireland. I am privileged to have worked side by side with him on the peace process... ."
UUP leader Sir Reg Empey said there was no question that the Prime Minister was "deeply committed to Northern Ireland".UUP leader Sir Reg Empey said there was no question that the Prime Minister was "deeply committed to Northern Ireland".
"Without that commitment, the Belfast Agreement, upon which our current institutions are based, would not have been reached," Sir Reg said."Without that commitment, the Belfast Agreement, upon which our current institutions are based, would not have been reached," Sir Reg said.
"His tactics and approach, while questionable on occasion, have delivered what we all hope is a lasting and stable political solution.""His tactics and approach, while questionable on occasion, have delivered what we all hope is a lasting and stable political solution."
Former SDLP leader John Hume said there was no doubt that peace and justice and getting Northern Ireland political parties together were at the top of Mr Blairs's agenda. SDLP leader Mark Durkan said he did not believe the Good Friday Agreement would have existed without Mr Blair's contribution.
"That of course has happened, and there's now very, very clear peace on our streets. So that was certainly right at the centre of his approach to Northern Ireland," Mr Hume said. "He deserves immense credit for his perseverance in our process," he said.
"The amount of time and personal capital he invested, alongside the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, should never be underestimated."