You know, the pessimism which exists now in the Middle East existed in Northern Ireland, but we stayed at it.

Quote by George J Mitchell

Topics: George J Mitchell Quotes

When I went to college, my goal was to be a college history teacher. I...

When I went to college, my goal was to be a college history teacher. I...

I was born and raised in a small town in Maine, Waterville. I enjoyed living...

I was born and raised in a small town in Maine, Waterville. I enjoyed living...

My father was the orphaned son of immigrants to the United States from Ireland. My...

My father was the orphaned son of immigrants to the United States from Ireland. My...

My parents were very poor, but we never felt any sense of need or want....

My parents were very poor, but we never felt any sense of need or want....

In the spring of 1994 I decided not to seek reelection to the Senate. I...

In the spring of 1994 I decided not to seek reelection to the Senate. I...

I enjoyed practicing law.

I enjoyed practicing law.

So I developed very early a massive inferiority complex, and I've told the story often...

So I developed very early a massive inferiority complex, and I've told the story often...

The result was, of course, that today, tragically, more than 40 million Americans don't have...

The result was, of course, that today, tragically, more than 40 million Americans don't have...

I got a job with a law firm in Portland after a couple of years...

I got a job with a law firm in Portland after a couple of years...

As they say, one thing led to another, and, ultimately, the British and Irish governments...

As they say, one thing led to another, and, ultimately, the British and Irish governments...

I'm glad I made the decision, although the practice of law - and particularly serving...

I'm glad I made the decision, although the practice of law - and particularly serving...

From my parents, I learned a very strong work ethic, and all of my brothers...

From my parents, I learned a very strong work ethic, and all of my brothers...

Although he's regularly asked to do so, God does not take sides in American politics.

Although he's regularly asked to do so, God does not take sides in American politics.

I was the United States Attorney for Maine for three years, and then was appointed...

I was the United States Attorney for Maine for three years, and then was appointed...

First, the American legislative process isn't well suited to large and complex measures.

First, the American legislative process isn't well suited to large and complex measures.

I really owe everything to my parents and their devotion and drive to see to...

I really owe everything to my parents and their devotion and drive to see to...

So my father grew up in an orphanage in Boston. He was then adopted by...

So my father grew up in an orphanage in Boston. He was then adopted by...

I had a great interest in sports. I had three older brothers who were great...

I had a great interest in sports. I had three older brothers who were great...

And I spent that time working as an insurance adjuster and going to law school...

And I spent that time working as an insurance adjuster and going to law school...

I didn't want to make it a lifetime thing. I don't believe in statutory term...

I didn't want to make it a lifetime thing. I don't believe in statutory term...