As politicians were making history at Stormont, another first was being made at the foot of the famous steps. Republican ex-prisoners and former members of the security forces stood united in opposition to the new Assembly.

More than 100 protesters from opposite sides of the old political divide gathered to protest at what they branded a sell out.

A group calling itself 'Justice for Protestants' joined former UDR soldiers, old B-Specials and unionist MLA's from the previous administration who are opposed to the St Andrews Agreement to protest beside republican ex-prisoners and so-called 'concerned republicans' opposed to the PSNI and 'disgusted' at Sinn Fein's taking seats at Stormont.

Former UDR man Leslie Finlay travelled from Castlederg to attend the protest. The retired soldier, who lost five members of his family during the Troubles said: "It is very hard for the like of us to accept that we have to accept all of this here today."

About 10 steps away Derry man Tony Kelly, a spokesman for the concerned republicans added: "What they (Sinn Fein) are doing up there is nothing to do with republicanism at all."

There was a myriad of banners highlighting a variety of causes other than the traditional green and orange issues. Water charges, university lecturers pay, health issues, deaths in the Middle East and the occupation of Palestine were all raised.

Among the most vociferous of the demonstrators were the socialist Belfast Anti-War Movement. They stood on a platform they chanting through a megaphone 'Tony is a terrorist' and 'Tony, Tony, Tony! Out, out, out!'

Above: How we reported yesterday's historic event

Three anti-war demonstrators were arrested for blocking the road as the Prime Minister approached.

Spokesman for the movement Tim Currie said: "We are here because we think it is incredibly hypocritical that Blair should be coming over here to try and do a touch up job on his career before he leaves to say he is a peacemaker when he has been one of the most war-mongering Prime Ministers we have had in Britain in general."

? Another Ballymena DUP councillor has resigned in protest at the power-sharing pact. William Wilkinson is the sixth councillor in the party to have quit over the devolution deal.