what did Mr. Tony Blair mean today when he said ..

[peteryoung]

This may be the day when, finally, after all the false dawns and dashed hopes, peace replaced war, politics replaces terror on the island of Ireland.


Why was Mr. Blair using both past and present tense in what seem to be two parrallel clauses?
Any reply'd be appreciated.

[Tdol]

The politics hasn't started yet as the parties have a lot of differences to iron out, while peace started the moment it was declared. Also, the political process will continue.

[Robert B. Mercer]

I agree, excellent point. One event happened in the past, one starts now.

"This morning my car BROKE (past) down... so today, STARTS (present) my life of walking to work."

"I learned today that my company failed. So today and for the future, hunger replaces happiness at my house."

Oh, in reference to "...any reply'd be...," WOULD only becomes a contraction after a personal pronoun: I'd, you'd, we'd, etc.

The only other contraction with would, and it is awkward and rarely used, is with IT: It'd be very difficult to pronouce 'It'd'...

[peteryoung]

Very illuminating. It's appreciated, thanks!