>>>Cutting off the funds post Sept. 11th may have speeded things up slightly, but not by enough for Blair to be so pro-Bush against the wishes of the people & parliament of this country & of his own party.
>>
>>From the inside, what do you think Blair's motives are?
>>
>>He has surprized me since historically he has always appeared to seek mass approval. Almost a bit of a poll junkie. Also he doesn't appear to be a very ideological labour leader. There have been several comments about how terrible he looks physically lately. Sunken eyes etc. The stress appears to be wearing on him.
>
>Evan
>
>I would agree with Len that the peace process in NI was well underway before 9/11. Blairs motives are a mystery I guess he really believes what he says. Certainly domesticaly he's in a no win situation.
>
SNIP

From over here, though, it sure has looked like the peace process had hit major snags as regards disarmament of the IRA. I wonder if that U.S. action helped the IRA to 'reconsider'?

cheers