Back to home

Friday October 26, 2007

Blair's legacy a matter of praise and regret, says church leader

ALC/ENI, EDIMBURGO, , May 10, 2007

The leader of the biggest Protestant church in Scotland has paid tribute to British Prime Minister Tony Blair for his role in the Northern Ireland peace process but criticized him for supporting US foreign policy.

"The ever-widening gap between rich and poor, the attachment to American foreign policy, and the decision in favour of a new generation of nuclear weapons are all matters of great regret," said the moderator of the (Presbyterian) Church of Scotland, the Rev. Alan McDonald.

Still, "The provision of undreamed of resources for education and the health service, and the speed with which the promise of devolved government was delivered in Scotland and Wales, should be a source of pride for him. Above all, history should remember him for the peace process in Northern Ireland."

Source: Ecumenical News International  www.eni.ch  ENI-07-0360