Tony Blair: Nelson Mandela Was a ‘Huge Inspiration’ to Me as a Leader

BLAIR: “As a leader, he was just a huge inspiration. I remember when we started our own peace process in Northern Ireland; he was such an example for reconciliation, forgiveness, the ability to put the past behind you. He was hugely important in all the work we did for Africa, and for ushering in a whole new generation of leaders in Africa. But I will also remember him as a man coming and visiting me in Downing Street. When he'd come in the door and after saying hello to my myself and my wife, he'd say hello to the people on the door, the people making the tea, the staff members, and he had a wonderful way about him. And to be with, by the way, was enormous fun. He was obviously this person, this political character, incredible stature, but as an individual to be with, he was very relaxed, very fun, very funny, and immensely humble with that sort of quiet humility that really came of huge inner strength.”