'Unique bond' exists between Britain and Ireland, writes Blair

A "unique bond" exists between Britain and Ireland as a result of - and not in spite of - a turbulent shared history, according to British prime minister Tony Blair.

The frequent blurring and redrawing of boundaries between the two countries has produced "tension, division and hardship", Mr Blair acknowledges in a preface to a new book on British-Irish relations.

However, he says, the present is "a time of opportunity and renewal" for the relationship between the two countries.

"Our shared heritage is finding new forms of expression. I look forward, with confidence, to the transformation to come."

In a second preface to the book, Britain & Ireland: Lives Entwined, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern says "a new era of co-operation" now exists between Ireland and its closest neighbours.

According to Mr Ahern, "enormous progress" has been made in seeking a long-term solution to conflict in Ireland.

"The relationship between two neighbours will never be completely free of tension; but it is gratifying to know that so many people on this island have put behind them a lot of antagonism that has had a negative influence in the past."

The book, published by the British Council in Ireland, contains eight essays exploring the evolution of the relationship between Britain and Ireland since independence.

Contributors include former taoiseach Dr Garret FitzGerald, who argues that Irish independence was necessary for the elimination of economic inequalities between the two countries, as well as Eoghan Harris, Trevor Ringland and Senator Maurice Hayes.

Its launch yesterday by Tánaiste Mary Harney formed part of a series of events organised by the British Council and the Institute for British-Irish Studies.

These include a debate held last night on the motion: "This house believes that Britain is just another foreign country."