The American statesman who brokered the Good Friday Agreement has urged the people of Northern Ireland to have more self-confidence.
George Mitchell told Sky News it was “not beyond the competence or ability” of the political leaders to resolve difficulties preventing the restoration of power-sharing.
The retired US Senator, who returned to Belfast to mark the 25th anniversary of the historic compromise, said people living there should be less self-critical.
“There is no society on Earth that’s free of violence. There is no society on Earth that’s free of disputes and disagreements.
“So have more self-confidence, more confidence in this place. It’s a great place, it’s a beautiful place and the people are energetic and hard-working.”
“The only real comment or message I want to deliver is you’re a great people, you can do better, we all can do better,” he added.
First appointed in 1994 as President Bill Clinton’s trade envoy to Northern Ireland, he ended up chairing the peace talks which led to the Agreement.
The breakthrough largely ended 30 years of violence, but it has not created the political stability most had hoped for.
The DUP says the new UK/EU deal on post-Brexit trading arrangements has not adequately addressed its concerns and is refusing to form a power-sharing government.
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Leaders praise Good Friday Agreement
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Asked if he was frustrated by the political stalemate at Stormont, Senator Mitchell replied: “No, it’s part of life.
“No life is free of difficulties and issues and problems. If it wasn’t this, it would be something else.
“The challenge is, as in life generally, you overcome the problems, you deal with them. What is the effective solution?
“Daily problems for people, how do you solve them in a practical way, and that is certainly not beyond the competence or the ability of the people and the political leaders of Northern Ireland.”
Senator George Mitchell looking at a bust of himself at Queen’s University in Belfast
Commenting on a new bronze bust that has been unveiled in the grounds of Queen’s University Belfast, he said: “…when you’re looking at a statue of yourself, the end must be near.”
The 89-year-old was diagnosed with acute leukaemia three years ago and described this visit as his farewell to Northern Ireland.
Asked how he wanted to be remembered by the people of Northern Ireland, he replied: “As a friend, a supporter, someone who loves them and believes in them.”
