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The writer is a former US Special Messenger in Northern Ireland
They are all Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Or so does the saying. Donald Trump, like all other US presidents since Ronald Reagan, invited the Irish government leaders to celebrate the Oval office. Mutual toast and ritual presentation of a bowl of shamrocks is a symbol of American engagement – politically, cultural and economically – with Ireland. While the Trump administration hits a pause in America’s long partnership with Europe on security and mutual trade, there is no better proof of mutual advantages to continue that relationship than the transformation of Northern Ireland.
From 1968 to 1998, over 3,500 people died and about 50,000 were injured as a sectarian conflict known as problems were enraged throughout northern Ireland. President Bill Clinton appointed former Senator George Mitchell as a special messenger in 1995 to find a common basis between unionists and nationalists and to attract US investments to provide economic opportunities and reduce tensions between communities.
During the countless hours of hearing, cajoling and nudging, Mitchell, along with other officials, helped the sworn enemies see another way forward. This resulted in the 1998 good Friday agreement. Over 71 percent of the referendum voters in northern Ireland supported it, as it did over 94 percent in the Republic.
Of course, the problems do not end with a peace deal. Thankfully, the American engagement did not. Subsequent administration administration, on a two -party basis, has appointed a separate messenger to build the agreement, demilitarize paramilitary groups, addresses challenges with police and promoting economic growth. I hope President Trump will soon appoint his messenger.
This commitment matters. Today, over 1,500 international companies, including over 280 based in the US, have a presence in northern Ireland. The region is a destination of world leadership investments for Cyber Security firms in the US and a major center for blocking industry with blockers such as Thrones. The trade agreement between London and Brussels will be useful for advanced manufacturing firms that require effective market access to exports from the US and others. Unemployment stands at 1.6 percent. With the support of the Belfast legislature and operate after a 24 -month break, the enigma parts are finally adapted to the country.
However, the greatest achievement of northern Ireland – the gradual reduction of conflict based on identity policy – cannot be measured only by economic indices. Reflects the power of engagement.
America has always provided public and private terrain to political and community leaders on both sides of the division. Meanwhile, cooperation in politics and business helped promote field cooperation-a valuable lesson in our polarized political ecosphere.
The old guard of the Northern Ireland leadership has given way to a new generation. The Northern Ireland Assembly is now run by two women, Michelle O’neill by Sinn Féin and Emma Little-Pengelly and DUP. Their height has led to a marked change of tone in political discourse. Each leader makes a deliberate attempt to say that the future of Northern Ireland is large enough to accommodate differences. Tolerance is accelerating the path to prosperity.
Northern Ireland today is a safer, stronger and more prosperous country due to the stable and continuous bipartisan engagement of the US government and because American business and academic leaders have reached all the Atlantic to support peace.
Today, during a time of swinging for inter-Atlantic cooperation to ensure peace, security and economic growth in Europe, we must reflect on the lessons of our unfinished work in Northern Ireland.
