British Prime Minister Tony Blair said today's events could "make history anew" and to "escape the heavy chains of history". Blair said, "Look back and we see centuries pock-marked by conflict, hardship, even hatred, among the people of these islands." Blair's predecessor, Sir John Major said "The sight of people that were once totally antagonistic to one another sitting down to plan the future of Northern Ireland is very attractive," adding "I always believed from the outset that it was possible but that it would be difficult and that it would take a long time."