Former U.S. Senator George Mitchell has earned a hallowed place in the annals of Irish and Irish-American history for the crucial role he played in chairing the All Party talks in Northern Ireland that culminated in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
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On chairing the All Party talks: It’s a labor of love and I mean it. I believe this is a moment of historic opportunity that could set the framework for life in Ireland for not just a few years, but decades, or even centuries. It’s a historic time and a tremendous opportunity to make progress.
On why he took the job: It was a combination of things. First, I admire President Clinton and I wanted to be helpful to him and his administration. Second, it gave me the opportunity to remain active in public policy matters. When I decided not to seek re-election to the Senate I made it clear I was not leaving out of dissatisfaction with public service. Thirdly, and finally, the chance to serve Ireland, the place of my father’ s heritage, was very attractive to me. – May / June 1996 ♦
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