I watched with scepticism Tony Blair's immediate reaction to the disaster in New York and Washington, and his speech in the British Parliament.

Here is a prime minister who has no ability to end acts of terrorism in his own backyard of Belfast, telling the world that they will 'fight shoulder to shoulder' with the Americans.

The atrocities in Northern Ireland are no different from any where else, and requires a more serious effort by the British government.

How many more have to die before Mr Blair turns his attention to the real issues at home besides solving similar problems in other parts of the world?