Early this month I joined President Bill Clinton on a historic journey to Northern Ireland. He received a hero's welcome from Protestants and Catholics alike.

It was richly deserved; the fresh promise of peace in Ireland exists because of the President's courage, commitment and effectiveness.

"It wouldn't have happened if [not] for him," a Protestant working man was reported as saying. "He's a good man."

President Clinton's improper relationship with Monica Lewinsky was seriously wrong. It was indefensible. So, too, were his efforts to keep it from his family, his staff and the American people.

The question posed to the House of Representatives by the report of the independent counsel is whether the President should be impeached. The answer provided by USA Today is that the President should resign.

As a former Senate majority leader, federal judge and United States attorney, I say he should not be impeached. As a citizen, I say he should not resign.

I believe the American people agree with me. They continue to approve of the job he has done, even as they criticise his actions in the Lewinsky matter.

They know there are more jobs and less crime at home thanks to his policies. They support his efforts to balance the budget, better our schools and improve health care for all Americans. They appreciate his work to bridge our racial divide.

Clinton was twice elected by the American people. His resigning from office would reverse the will of the people as expressed through two democratic elections and would represent an unwarranted abandonment of public responsibility.

The President deserves the criticism he has received for his actions. But those actions do not justify his removal from office by impeachment or resignation.

The world needs strong American leadership. That means an active and effective President Clinton.

Terrorists threaten American lives and property around the world; the political and economic crises in Russia and Japan; the Asian economy; the Middle East; the Balkans - the list of the problems and conflicts that affect American lives and American interests is long.

Even his critics acknowledge the President's demonstrated ability and accomplishments.

I saw first-hand in Northern Ireland the difference he made. He also made a difference in Bosnia, where he brought a genocidal war to an end.

He has worked for peace, freedom and human rights in the Middle East, in Asia and in Latin America.

He must now go back to work on our problems at home and to protecting and advancing American interests around the world.

Former senator George Mitchell was chairman of the Northern Ireland peace talks

This article first appeared in USA Today