Former US Senator George Mitchell, the key broker of the Good Friday Agreement, has urged Northern Ireland’s current political leaders to fully realise the potential of the historic peace accord. Returning to Belfast for the unveiling of plans for a new peace institute in his name at Queen’s University, Mitchell acknowledged the 26 years of peace since the agreement, but stressed that “there has not been 26 years of full reconciliation and progress.”

A Call for Leadership and Reconciliation

At the age of 91, Mitchell continues to champion the values of peace and unity that underpinned the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. During his visit, Mitchell emphasized the need for Northern Ireland to seize the opportunity for progress and urged its leaders to focus on reconciliation. He expressed optimism about the recent developments in the region’s political landscape, particularly the leadership of Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, Northern Ireland’s First Minister and deputy First Minister.

Mitchell remarked, “The restoration of the Assembly and the election of two credible, responsible women in leadership presents an enormous opportunity for Northern Ireland to experience growth and prosperity.” He also highlighted the importance of investing in education, healthcare, and ensuring that Northern Ireland becomes a place where people not only want to live but are eager to visit.

Emotional Reunion with a “Good Friday Baby”

A poignant moment of Mitchell’s visit was his emotional reunion with Erin McArdle, one of the first babies born after the Good Friday Agreement was signed. The event, held at Queen’s University’s Seamus Heaney Centre, also featured a conversation between Mitchell, Erin, and her mother Caroline, facilitated by television presenter Donna Traynor. Reflecting on the 1998 peace negotiations, Mitchell expressed his belief that Northern Ireland’s journey can serve as a lesson to the world on how to overcome deep-rooted conflict.

“There have been 26 years of peace,” Mitchell said, “but there has not been 26 years of full reconciliation and progress. I believe that with the leadership in place today, Northern Ireland can move forward together and continue building on the foundation of peace.”

New Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace

The central purpose of Mitchell’s visit was the dedication of a new home for the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice at Queen’s University. Originally established in 2016, the institute focuses on interdisciplinary research aimed at addressing global challenges related to peacebuilding and security.

Declan Kelly, a former US Envoy leading the fundraising campaign for the institute’s expansion, emphasized the importance of preserving Mitchell’s legacy. “We owe it to future generations to pass on all we can of George Mitchell’s towering accomplishment through the Good Friday Agreement,” Kelly said.

Recognition of Mitchell’s Role in Peace

The event was attended by numerous notable figures, including former taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Secretary of State Hilary Benn, and various political leaders from Northern Ireland, both past and present. Sir Ian Greer, the president and vice-chancellor of Queen’s University, paid tribute to Mitchell, describing him as “a key architect of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement” and recognizing his contributions to bringing peace to the island of Ireland.

Greer added that the work carried out by the institute solidifies Mitchell’s and Queen’s University’s shared commitment to lasting peace, security, and justice. The new institute building, set to open in the coming years, will further advance these goals by continuing to focus on global peace initiatives.

Northern Ireland’s Leaders Reflect on Peace Process

Both Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly highlighted the significance of the institute and Mitchell’s role in shaping the peace process. O’Neill praised the progress made since the agreement, noting that the institute “showcases the positive change that has taken place in the north since the Belfast Good Friday Agreement.”

Little-Pengelly also acknowledged the remarkable achievements of the past 26 years while reminding those in attendance of the ongoing fragility of peace. “This initiative reflects the importance of peace, but it will also remind us of how we must continue to work at maintaining it,” she said.

Looking Forward: Challenges and Opportunities

As Northern Ireland looks ahead, the words of George Mitchell serve as both a reminder and a challenge. While the peace established by the Good Friday Agreement has held for over two decades, the path to full reconciliation is ongoing. Mitchell’s visit underscored the need for continued political commitment and leadership to ensure that Northern Ireland not only remains peaceful but also flourishes in the years to come.

In his closing remarks, Mitchell expressed his hope for the future, stating, “Out of crisis comes opportunity. I believe that Northern Ireland can move forward together, and I hope with all my heart that it will.” His words resonate as a call to action for both the political leaders and the people of Northern Ireland, urging them to take advantage of the opportunities before them and continue building a more united and prosperous society.