Who would have ever thought that an Irish government would fund a university program in a British prime minister's honor? That's exactly what the Irish government did on Tuesday, when it announced that it would pony almost $10 million for a "Blair Chair" at Liverpool University which will pay tribute to the outgoing Blair's role in helping to bring peace to Northern Ireland.

"It is a fitting way to mark Tony Blair's immense and historic contribution in helping bring peace to Ireland," Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern staid.

"It is a contribution that will be remembered by Irish people all over the world for as long as the history of our country is read and written."

The Irish government money for the Tony Blair Chair of Irish Studies, as it will be officially known, will kick in for next year, and will provide for an undergrad program in British and Irish politics, and postgraduate studies as well.

Blair naturally was thrilled with the gesture from his next door neighbors. The honor, he said, "is also one shared by the very many people in Northern Ireland and beyond who had the vision, courage and commitment to work towards a peaceful future."

Can a visit to the Irish Republic by Queen Elizabeth be far behind, given all the goodwill flowing back and forth over the Irish Sea? The Sunday Tribune newspaper in Ireland reports that a trip by the monarch has been agreed "in principle" between all the relevant players, though a precise date has yet to be announced.

But bet your bottom euro that it'll happen. Mary O'Rourke, a member of the Irish Parliament says, "With the new political understanding on our island, it's appropriate the Queen visits. I don't think there'll be any significant protests. We're past all that, we've matured . . .and a good thing it is too."