Tony Blair recalls ‘surreal’ time Sinn Fein pair skateboarded at No10

Tony Blair’s children narrate a new Channel 4 documentary about Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness’ experiences skateboarding in Downing Street gardens.

‘Thank God they didn’t hurt themselves,’ Sir Tony said of the ‘surreal’ moment during tense Good Friday Agreement negotiations.

The three-part series, released this week, offers behind-the-scenes access to the Blair family, Bill Clinton and his inner circle, including Peter Mandelson.

It follows the rise and fall of Sir Tony from his election to Parliament in 1983 until after he left office in 2007.

Some of his harshest critics, such as Jeremy Corbyn, come forward, but there is one glaring omission.

Gordon Brown does not appear in any of the three episodes, despite being central to the New Labor project.

The question of succession dominated the final years of Sir Tony’s premiership. Cherie Blair said effectively choosing Gordon as her successor was one of her husband’s biggest mistakes.

The invasion of Iraq in 2003 is one of its defining moments. President Clinton then said: ‘I felt very bad for him… he was in a difficult situation and he did what he thought was right. And I think he still thinks he did the right thing.’

Pictured (left to right): Sinn Fein leaders Martin McGuiness, Michelle O’Neill and Gerry Adams

Sir Tony’s influence in the Middle East has not diminished. In January of this year, President Trump announced that the former Prime Minister would sit on the Gaza peace board.

The documentary highlights his political decisions, misjudgments and the ‘personal cost of power’ that continue to shape Britain.

Some of the characters being interviewed did not leave the stage. Jonathan Powell, who served as Sir Tony’s sole private secretary in Downing Street, is the current national security adviser.

Almost 29 years after his landslide victory, the three-time election winner’s shadow looms large over Labour.