BELFAST -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Tuesday that history would decide whether peace in Northern Ireland or the war in Iraq would be the outstanding part of his legacy.

Blair, who is expected to announce his resignation plans this week, hailed the restoration of self-rule in Northern Ireland, which the province hopes will finally bury the dark decades of sectarian violence.

Asked in Belfast whether Iraq would overshadow his achievements in Northern Ireland, Blair told BBC television..."The most important thing you can do as a prime minister...is do what you believe to be right and for the rest, history will make its judgement."