Clinton calls for more optimism about peace process
Former US President Bill Clinton has said the Irish people should be optimistic about the peace process despite the difficulties in restoring devolution in the North.
Most observers are not holding out much hope of progress before the November 24 deadline set by the Irish and British governments as the DUP is still refusing to share power with republicans.
However, speaking during a visit to Dublin last night, Mr Clinton said similar problems had been overcome in the past.
"You should be very optimistic because look at all the problems we've had since 1998," he said.
"One thing after another went wrong. It's been maddening. The peace held, partly because there's been a lot of home improvement, partly because the leaders have wanted it to hold and partly because the people of Northern Ireland would throw them all into the sea if they took them back to the bad old days."
