NI politicians 'are world equal'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/6333759.stm

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Northern Ireland's politicians are of equal standing to any in the world, former US Senator George Mitchell has said.

Senator Mitchell chaired the talks which led to the Good Friday Agreement.

In an interview for the Parliamentary Monitor, he said NI's political leaders could hold their own among the world's parliamentarians.

His comments come ahead of a planned election to the Northern Ireland Assembly on 7 March.

Senator Mitchell said the power-sharing ministers who operated during the last period of devolution performed well.

"In the short time that they did have authority and engage in self government, I think it's universally recognised that they did a good job," he said.

"They are certainly the equal of elected officials anywhere I've been and I've dealt with parliamentarians here, in the US and around the world.

"I'd put the political leaders of Northern Ireland up against anyone. So they can govern themselves."

He said significant progress had been made in Northern Ireland, but that it was a continuing process with implementation of the agreement taking place "slowly and with great difficulty".

"I think all of us have to be patient as they work their way through it. I don't for a moment suggest that all problems are fully resolved and there are no longer any issues - clearly there are.

"But gosh, it's such a vibrant economy now, such a different place, where people can lead normal, safe and secure lives."