Former US President Bill Clinton has expressed his optimism that restoring the Northern Ireland Assembly, known as Stormont, “can fairly easily be done.” In an exclusive interview with BreakingNews.ie, he described the political stalemate in Northern Ireland as “unnecessary” and outlined the steps that need to be taken to get the Assembly back up and running. With his deep involvement in the Northern Ireland peace process in the 1990s, Clinton’s comments about the current situation are highly anticipated. Read on to find out more about his insights and recommendations for restoring power-sharing in Northern Ireland.
The former US president Bill Clinton has stated that the restoration of the Stormont Assembly can be achieved with ease if those involved want it to happen. Speaking at an event marking the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday agreement in Derry, Mr Clinton warned that it is always easy to find excuses to say no. The Stormont institutions have effectively collapsed following a boycott by the Democratic Unionist party. During the event, Mr Clinton praised those who came together for the 1998 peace agreement, describing it as the “gift of the agreement”. He called for concerted efforts to get Stormont back up and running, calling it a vital step towards securing a better future for all on the island.
The Making Hope and History Rhyme event, organised by the John and Pat Hume Foundation, also featured musical performances and addresses by young people. Ash lead singer Tim Wheeler dedicated a performance of his hit Shining Light to journalist Lyra McKee, who was murdered four years ago. U2 frontman Bono appeared in a video tribute to architects of the agreement, John Hume and David Trimble. He described Hume as a “man who made all our lives bigger”, and Trimble as the “politician who was seen as a hardliner” but who “when the moment came, made the hard choice for peace”.
During the event, two school pupils, James Tourish and Ellianna McBride, urged progress, calling for unity and determination to seek and deliver a better future for all on the island. Ms McBride highlighted the lack of decision-making on issues of pressing importance such as healthcare, employment, and education, describing it as failing to serve the people of Northern Ireland. She emphasised the need for political stability if the region is to achieve the economic and social ambitions of its young people.
Looking back on the significant achievements that have been made since the Good Friday agreement, Mr Clinton urged renewed determination to work together to overcome the challenges that continue to face the region. The former president praised those who made it possible to get to yes, as he described it, stating that a focus on positive outcomes and a willingness to compromise are essential for achieving lasting, positive change.
Mr Clinton’s comments come at a time when tensions continue to simmer in Northern Ireland, with concerns about increased violence and instability in the region. While the overwhelming majority of people in the region support the Good Friday agreement and the peace it has brought, there are still significant divisions that continue to pose challenges for political leaders tasked with bringing about positive change.
As Mr Clinton highlighted, getting to yes is humanity’s great trial and great goal. It requires hard work, determination, and a willingness to put aside differences and work together towards common goals. It is clear that there is still much work to be done in Northern Ireland, but events such as the Making Hope and History Rhyme event provide a timely reminder of the positive steps that have already been taken and the significant achievements that can be made when people come together to work towards a shared vision of a better future.
