Gareth Gordon
BBC News NI Political Correspondent

Image source, PA Media

Ursula von der Leyen’s presence in Belfast today reminds us of an uncomfortable truth.

The Windsor Framework signed with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has so far failed in its main aim, restoring devolution at Stormont.

She called it “a new beginning for old friends”.

She referred to the role of former DUP leader Reverend Ian Paisley and his friendship with Martin McGuinness as “one of the miracles” of the Good Friday Agreement.

“History now calls on todays leaders to embark on a similar path”.

It was as close as she came to mentioning the great big elephant in the room.

Starting to wrap up his speech, Clinton recalls it being a privilege to work with people back in the 1990s including Bertie Ahearn and Tony Blair.

He then looks to what the future might hold.

Clinton says: "The biggest roadblock that Brexit posed for Northern Ireland's political and economic future has been dramatically mitigated.

"What else needs to change to protect the day-to-day legitimate pursuit of making a living and deal with it?

"This whole deal was never supposed to be an engine of obstruction. The agreement was never supposed to be used to make sure there could be no self-government.

"We know what the votes were in the last election. It's time to get this show on the road."

The audience breaks into applause again.

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The former president praises the importance of young people in the peace process.

"What are the real problems with people like me who used to be something?," he says.

It is the fact they love to talk about what they were, he surmises.

"I try to live in the present and for the future," he says.

Image source, Reuters

The peace deal was orchestrated with "vigorous, able, comprehensive, combative leaders", Clinton says.

He says US Senator George Mitchell, who chaired the negotiations, was "a great manager".

"We had organised support from important areas," he says praising the input from women's groups during the peace process - saying data shows female input ensures peace accords are 35% more likely to survive at least 15 years.

The Good Friday Agreement was a hard deal, Clinton continues.

He pays tribute to John Hume and David Trimble, and says he wishes they "were still here to see this".

"They both knew they would suffer politically and did it anyway," he says.

"If they were here today, both of them would say 'I'm glad we did that, some things are more important than the next election.'"

This is met with a huge round of applause.

Clinton now turns his speech to Northern Ireland's devolved government, which he notes has been suspended for a long time despite a lot of efforts being made "to get it back up".

He says: "This Windsor Agreement seems to me as an outsider who cares very much, is the best way to split the baby.

"To allow the benefits of access to the EU single market and access to the UK market.

"The best of both worlds. I don't think there is anything quite like this.

"Do I hope it is enough and that it'll be tweaked a bit? I certainly do.

"No matter how good any deal is, what really matters is how long it has a hold on people's imagination and trust."

Clinton praises the fact the agreement has lasted for 25 years, given most peace deals fall apart in less than a decade.

He then ponders on why it did last, saying it was because of the people.

He also praises the role of Senator George Mitchell in the process.

Clinton says parties knew what they really needed - having a voice in the future - and says mandating cooperation between the parties was crucial.

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is also mentioned, with Clinton noting that under his leadership the Republic of Ireland he gave up its constitutional claim to Northern Ireland.

Image source, Pool

Clinton says he is emotionally spent after his visit to Londonderry last night.

"To me, all of this comes down to a pretty simple question - what is the meaning of this peace agreement lasting for 25 years and what should happen in the next 25 years?," he asks,

He says Northern Ireland is in a different place from his first visit in 1995.

He recalls it was a big deal for him to shake hands with the then Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams, joking it was like "the pavement was about to crack open" - now, he says, he'd be called a snob for not shaking hands with him.

"That's a good thing," he adds.

Bill Clinton warms up the stage by opening up with a joke.

"I have been here so long, that I am informed that I will owe taxes if I am not gone in 48 hours," he quips.

He addresses the crowd, telling them "I have loved this" - referring to the conference.

He says the Queen's University students and the faculty are "a metaphor for the future we hope to see in Northern Ireland", with people from all backgrounds living and working together.

Image source, Reuters

Closing her speech, von der Leyen borrows words from Anne Patterson who she said gave birth to a baby girl just minutes after the Good Friday agreement was signed 25 years ago.

"She says peace is a process not an event'," von der Leyen says.

"She is so right.

"I can reassure you that we, the European Union, will continue to do our part and to accompany you on the path of peace and prosperity

"Today my grandchildren are toddlers. What Northern Ireland and Ireland will look like in their 20s depends on all of us

"The ultimate choice lies with you - the people of Northern Ireland.

"The gateway to a bright future is open, all you need to do is walk through it."

Von der Leyen says the Windsor Framework is "a new beginning for old friends".

"It turns the page on years of division and dispute," she says.

The European Commission president goes on to speak positively of previous economic development in Northern Ireland and is optimistic for what has yet to come.

"This is a unique opportunity...there is so much we can do together," she says.

This, she says, will take wisdom and vision - the same sort that has been shown by Northern Ireland's leaders over the past 25 years.

Von der Leyen continues now to praise the architects of the Good Friday Agreement, specifically referencing John Hume and David Trimble.

She also speaks of former Democratic Unionist Party Reverend Ian Paisley, who was against the agreement when it was signed.

Yet nine years later, he entered into power-sharing at Stormont with Martin McGuinness, who was "one of his staunchest foes".

She calls this one of the miracles of the Good Friday Agreement.

"History now calls on today's leaders to embark on a similar path for the future of Northern Ireland," she says.

"Only you can make the seed of agreement continue to grow and flourish."

Speaking on the "large scale" Ukraine war, von der Leyen says the EU and the UK are "in this together."

"We all want to hold up Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," she says, which is met by applause.

"We both want Russia's aggression to fail, and we both want to restore a just peace in Europe.

"We still share the same values and sense of purpose."

She says that "peace is precious" and "can never be taken for granted."

She then adds she is grateful for British friends in their support for Ukraine, and for their "determination to overcome our differences," and "find workable solutions to the challenges that rose after Brexit".

Von der Leyen praises the people of Northern Ireland for being the master of their own destiny.

"It is in this mindset that my first meeting with Rishi Sunak took place," she continues.

"It was at the climate conference in Egypt last year we agreed to focus on the road ahead because the challenges ahead of us are daunting."

Referencing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, von der Leyen says for the first time in decades large scale war is back in Europe.

"The foundations of peaceful coexistence have come under attack," she says.

Image source, Pool

Northern Ireland is now known as a "cool place" for Europeans, von der Leyen continues, mentioning its music and stunning landscapes.

"This is only possible because the leaders and people decided to plant a seed in soil previously stained with blood and tears," she says.

She says today we continue to pay tribute to the visionary leaders throughout Northern Ireland, the UK and the Republic of Ireland who helped to plant the seed.

She says the people of Northern Ireland have "shaped a new history".

"History shapes people and people can shape history," she adds.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen starts her speech by saying the event is an opportunity to thank and praise the architects of the Good Friday Agreement.

"But also to look at our friendship between the United Kingdom and the European Union, and most importantly to look at the future of peace in Northern Ireland," she says.

Von der Leyen recalls studying in London during her 20s, hearing Northern Ireland in the news as "a story of conflict, bombs and violence in the streets".

"Today, my children are in their 20s, and they have learned of a completely different story - a story of reconciliation and hope".

Image source, Reuters

Michel's speech is drawing to a close now.

He says that in the 25 years since the agreement was signed, the world has "changed dramatically".

He cites the world dealing with the 11 September terror attacks, the Iraq War and Covid-19.

Now it faces the challenges of the climate emergency, and Russia's war against Ukraine.

He insists: "Great allies like the UK and the EU need each other, and they need to stand together to face challenges.

He says Northern Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement are a "powerful symbol of what our shared values can be".

"Let's keep building on this," he concludes.

Michel turns his remarks to Brexit, saying it has posed new challenges but that the goal for the EU is to make sure the Good Friday Agreement is not compromised.

The recently agreed Windsor Framework is an opportunity to build a more stable relationship between the EU and the UK, he says.

Michel says: "I feel it will provide greater certainty for people and businesses in Northern Ireland.

"You the people of this fine land must choose their future together."

Michel continues speaking about the work the EU has done during the peace process.

He says the work towards reconciliation took months and decades to build, as well as compromise.

He admits Europe does not pretend to have the answers, but provides a space for people to work together for a common vision.

He mentions EU programmes in Northern Ireland, including funding for infrastructure and programmes aimed at aiding victims of the Troubles.

Michel recalls the UK and Ireland joining the European Economic Community together in 1973 - subscribing to a common vision - and says the contact between international officials at all levels helped to cement a mutual trust and understanding.

"The European project, one could say, helped to prepare the ground for the seed of peace to take root in Northern Ireland," he says.