13/03/2007

Former NI Secretary denies criticising Blair

Peter Mandelson has denied claims he criticised the Prime Minister’s handling of the peace process.

The former Northern Ireland Secretary was quoted in 'The Guardian' newspaper this morning as saying he believed Tony Blair’s behaviour was “unreasonable and irresponsible” in relation to concessions he granted Sinn Fein during attempts to broker a peace deal in the province.

The paper has also reported Mr Mandelson said that while he praised Mr Blair’s commitment to the process, he thought the PM “would be sort of dangling carrots and possibilities in front of the republicans which I thought could never be delivered.”

Former Cabinet secretary Lord Butler of Brockwell also said Blair faced a dilemma trying to balance the needs of both republicans without alienating unionists.

He said: “There was a lot to be said for paying a price to keep the bicycle moving. The issue is whether Tony Blair paid too big a price.”

However, the ex-NI secretary has played down the comments, saying they were neither “credible or a true reflection of my views.”

He said: “This report amplifies something I said out of all proportion to its content and makes a generalised judgment totally unsupported by the remarks I made.

“What they present as news is very old hat to anyone with a passing familiarity with Northern Ireland’s recent history.”

(JM/KMcA)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

14 November 2024
Traffic Warning For South Belfast Ahead Of Northern Ireland Match
Road users are advised to plan for potential traffic delays in the south Belfast area on Friday, 15th November due to the UEFA Nations League football match between Northern Ireland and Belarus. The match will take place at Windsor Park, kicking off at 7.45pm, and it is expected that around 18,000 supporters will attend.
14 November 2024
New Defence Heritage Record Launched
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the launch of a new Defence Heritage Record, a comprehensive resource detailing over 4,500 sites constructed across Northern Ireland in response to World War One and Two, as well as the Cold War.
14 November 2024
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
14 November 2024
Ministers Recognise Work Of US Special Envoy Joe Kennedy
The First Minister and deputy First Minister has thanked U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Joe Kennedy III, for his contribution to furthering economic links with the U.S. The Special Envoy is in Belfast for a series of events marking his term in office.
22 May 2008
Virtual Ex-PM To Address Belfast Conference
There'll be a former premier and a 'virtual' ex-premier in attendance today as a major post-peace process conference kicks off in Belfast Former Prime Minister Tony Blair and former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern are to receive honorary doctorates from Queen's University.