I am ready to meet my Maker and answer for those who have died as a result of my decisions'

TONY BLAIR believes that he will be called to account for the Iraq War before God, and can justify to his “Maker” decisions which led to hundreds of deaths. (this is sunday times magazine counting...)

The magazine charts Mr Blair’s actions from the inside over 30 days of war. His declaration of faith came on April 2, the day after seven Iraqi women and children were shot dead at a checkpoint.

Asked how he responded to deaths caused as a result of his own actions, Mr Blair admitted to feeling the strain, saying “it really gets to you".

He then cast aside his usual caution about discussing how his religious faith guides his political actions to tell the former Times Editor Peter Stothard that he was ready to meet his Maker and answer before God for “those who have died or have been horribly maimed as a result of my decisions”. Mr Blair nevertheless also accepted that many others who believe in “the same God” may assess that the final judgment will be against him.

The Prime Minister gives the most intimate glimpse yet into the strains of leadership, revealing how music and family help him to cope. But it is the role religion plays that will command the greatest attention. The Newsnight presenter Jeremy Paxman was rebuked for asking the Prime Minister if he and Mr Bush prayed together before meetings, but the centrality of Mr Blair’s faith to his actons is apparent from the Magazine account.

Mr Blair had to be persuaded to drop the phrase “God Bless You” from his broadcast to the nation at the start of the war. One adviser told him that invoking God’s name would be a mistake because “you are talking to lots of people who don’t want chaplains pushing stuff down their throats”. Mr Blair responded by telling his aides that they were a “most ungodly lot” — but he was finally persuaded and closed his address with the words “thank you”.

god, should you exist, save my soul, should i then have one. wonder whether "maker" is aware of quest for oil?