By Brendan Anderson

The North’s politicians were given a collective pat on the back Monday by respected peacemaker and former U.S. Senator George Mitchell.

Mitchell, who played a prominent part in the Irish peace process and chaired the negotiations which resulted in the Good Friday Agreement, said the North’s political leaders were the equal of any elsewhere in the world.

In an interview with the Westminster political magazine Parlia-mentary Monitor, he said ministers in the last power-sharing Assembly proved they were capable of governing themselves.

“In the short time that they did have authority and engage in self-government, I think it is universally recognized that they did a good job. They are certainly the equal of elected officials anywhere I’ve been and I’ve dealt with parliamentarians here, in the U.S. and around the world,” Mitchell said.

“I would put the political leaders of Northern Ireland up against anyone. So they can govern themselves.”

Senator Mitchell confessed to falling in love with the North and said he brings his two sons to Ireland at least once a year.

Progress had been made, he said but “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,” he said.