Former US President Bill Clinton has returned to Belfast to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, which ended decades of violence in Northern Ireland. Speaking at Queen’s University, Mr. Clinton noted the progress made since the peace deal was signed, while also acknowledging the challenges that still remain. The visit comes amid ongoing political uncertainty in the region, with talks on power-sharing between parties having broken down. Nevertheless, Mr. Clinton expressed his admiration for the people of Northern Ireland and his belief in their ability to build a brighter future for all.
Former US President Bill Clinton has arrived in Belfast to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. Accompanied by his wife, Hillary Clinton, who is chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast where the three-day event will take place, the couple have been regular visitors to the region since negotiating the historic peace deal in 1998. Clinton landed in Belfast yesterday and was welcomed by SDLP councillor Séamas de Faoite. The Clintons played a pivotal role in securing peace in Northern Ireland, Hillary Clinton having accompanied her husband to Belfast on numerous occasions during the peace negotiations.
The conference, which begins on Monday, aims to reflect on how the peace agreement was reached and to address current political issues in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Hillary Clinton will host the event, which is being attended by civic leaders who have contributed to peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.
In an earlier statement, Hillary Clinton said: “Northern Ireland and Queen’s University are both close to Bill’s and my heart. It’s fitting that such a unique event will take place at Queen’s. The university makes a significant impact on the world through its outstanding research and innovation. I am proud to host this conference which will bring together civic leaders who have contributed to peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.”
US President Joe Biden, meanwhile, was in Ballina, County Mayo, in the Republic of Ireland yesterday for a homecoming celebration. Tens of thousands of people greeted the president, who also visited Belfast earlier in the week. During that visit, he urged the region’s political leaders to build on the legacy of the Good Friday Agreement.
The Good Friday Agreement, signed on 10 April 1998, brought an end to 30 years of conflict in Northern Ireland, known as the Troubles. It is widely seen as one of the most successful peace deals of the past century. The agreement was brokered with the help of the US, which had a long-standing interest in finding a peaceful solution to the conflict. Clinton’s involvement was instrumental, as was the support of influential Irish-Americans.
Despite the clear and unequivocal success of the Good Friday Agreement in ending decades of conflict and terror, the region has faced renewed uncertainty and instability in recent times. The Northern Ireland executive, a power-sharing government established under the agreement, collapsed in 2017 and was only restored in 2020 after three years of political deadlock. Brexit has also complicated matters for the region by bringing new divisions and challenges.
The international conference hosted by Hillary Clinton is an opportunity to build on the successes of the past and renew the commitment to peace in Northern Ireland. From a practical point of view, it may provide impetus to political leaders as they begin to emerge from the previous years of deadlock. Perhaps more importantly, the event serves as a symbol of hope and a demonstration of the value of collaboration and cooperation between nations.
