Senator George Mitchell:

Clearly the lesson for me was the strength, courage and vision of the people of Northern Ireland and Ireland, their political leaders and the leaders of the United Kingdom. This was an extraordinarily difficult and complex situation. I have already read the numbers, indicating the extent of death and injury that occurred. Most of all there was a tremendous fear throughout society of a further outbreak of violence which would have likely been more destructive. The whole history of human beings, of course, is of continual increase in the capacity of humans to kill one another. Now a relatively small number of people, one person, can with modern technology wreak tremendous injury and harm.

Ultimately through that, the political leaders of Northern Ireland, Ireland and the UK were able to come together. To me it was an example of the best that human beings are capable of. I came away with and I retain a tremendous admiration for the men and women who reached that agreement. They were ordinary people just like the Deputy and me. They had spent their entire lives in conflict. Many of them had been shot at. Some had been shot. Many had been in prison for violent crimes but they were determined not to return to that. As a result, they demonstrated what could be done. Personally, I think it is a lesson not just for the people of Ireland and the United Kingdom but for the people the world over about how strength and courage can rise to the occasion and can meet even the most difficult and complex of challenges for their mutual safety, security and benefit.

I am sorry that I did not get the Deputy's name but he mentioned the bridge connecting Northern Ireland and Ireland. I remember the day very well and the wonderful treatment I received from the people in the area. It was a beautiful day and it is lodged permanently in my memory. Many years later I took my children back and one of the first thing I said was that we need to drive down there and take a look at my bridge. We did, but they were not particularly impressed I might say. I have been impressed with it and I thank the Deputy so much.