The British Prime Minister and Mr David Trimble, the putative first minister in a new Northern Ireland government, made a symbolic joint appearance here last night in a rallying cry to undecided unionists to back the Belfast Agreement.
In a lavish tribute to the Ulster Unionist leader, Mr Blair said: "I believe David Trimble has shown the courage, tenacity and leadership that has been missing from the politics of Northern Ireland for so long."
And to applause he told the audience: "What that man did in coming forward and entering the negotiations is the sign of true leadership and of true hope for the future."
Mr Trimble, who may make a further joint appearance with Mr Blair and Mr John Hume later this morning, said there were, no doubt, problems ahead but he believed the opportunities were greater than the problems.
With the British government's private poll showing one-third of unionists still to make up their minds, Mr Blair made a final bid to turn the tide towards a decisive Yes vote with a five-point "pledge" to the people of Northern Ireland.
Speaking at the University of Ulster to an audience, including members of the Orange Order, local churches and the business community, Mr Blair reduced his attempts to reassure unionists to five simple pledges:
No change in the status of Northern Ireland without the expressed consent of the people of Northern Ireland.
Power to take decisions returned to the Northern Ireland assembly, with accountable North-South co-operation.
Fairness and equality guaranteed for all.
Those who use or threaten violence to be excluded from the government of Northern Ireland.
Prisoners kept in unless violence is given up for good.
The Prime Minister, who was speaking against a backdrop of the pledge written in his own hand, also declared: "Whatever the result of the referendum, as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom I will continue to work for stability and prosperity for all the people of Northern Ireland."
He did not know if the opportunity would come again in this generation, but "I do know we've got the chance now to provide the future our children need."