Blair thanks US for role in North peace

British Prime Minister Tony Blair has paid tribute to the United States for its role in the Northern Ireland peace process.

Mr Blair is in Washington for his final visit as prime minister.

At a reception last night, Mr Blair told around 170 invited guests, including US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice, that peace in Northern Ireland was "something of a metaphor for the optimism of what politics can do.

"Today, we have the chance for people to live there in peace," he said. "The whole place has lifted off in this amazing way. It's a wonderful thing to see.

"For all of us with Irish blood in our veins, there's something really quite empowering about the people coming together again."

Mr Blair added: "There are lots of difficult things in politics, and lots of things that can go wrong, but this is something that's gone right and we hope it will give people a sense of hope."

Dr Rice praised Mr Blair's "vision, perseverance and patience" over the past 10 years. "We're proud to be part of this endeavour," she said.

She said the "future of peace" looked better than a "future of conflict" and that the success inspired everyone "to work towards the resolution of still unsolved conflicts".