Tony Blair - Ireland: Lies in the name of peace

Published on 01/09/2010 20:13

TONY Blair lied to prevent the collapse of the Northern Ireland peace process, he has admitted.

He said he took "horrendous" chances and stretched the truth "past breaking point" as he dealt with unionists and republicans deadlocked over talks to restore devolved powers. He also revealed how a leading Orangeman described him as unfit to be PM because "my wife was a painted jezebel who claimed her allegiance to Rome".

Recalling the first time he met Sinn Fein leaders Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness, Mr Blair said: "They were not just hesitant or distrustful, they were sitting down with the enemy."

Despite his admission, Mr Blair felt voters still trusted him because he was trying to do his best for them. He also said the public discriminated between politicians they do not trust at a superficial level - "ie, pretty much all of them" - and those they mistrusted on a deeper level.