ALTHOUGH Mrs Jean Kennedy Smith shared the general reaction of shock and sadness at the IRA bomb in London, the US Ambassador believes the peace process can and will continue.
At a meeting yesterday between the ambassador and Mr Bertie Ahern, the Fianna Fail leader proposed that Senator George Mitchell be appointed as a special peace envoy. "Various initiatives are being looked at by the US administration and this is one that is being discussed," Mrs Kennedy Smith said.
Expressing her sympathy for the victims of the Canary Wharf explosion, she said "My heart goes out to the people who were injured and the families of those who were killed".
She stressed the need to continue efforts for peace "One has to remain hopeful. We can't be dominated by ruthless terrorism and the American principle is that we never will be. We're certainly not going to give up on the peace process.
"As everyone has cautioned, we must sit back and review the situation and see what can be done to put the process back on track and how that will happen. It is too early to know the answers to those questions, but I think everyone will be putting their minds to it.
President Clinton and his administration have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the peace process and they will continue to be involved and to support the two governments in their efforts.
"There is no such thing as giving up. This is too important and I commend the loyalist paramilities for the restraint they have shown in this difficult, time."
Since she blame ambassador, Mrs Kennedy Smith has met many groups from the North and she expressed confidence the attack would not prove a permanent setback. "I am certain that this will not deter the people of Northern Ireland who have worked so tirelessly over the past 25 years. They deserve peace.
"Since the ceasefire, we've seen many positive developments in the communities in Northern Ireland to build on the peace process by bringing the different traditions together and encouraging greater understanding and reconciliation.
"The ceasefire still lives in the hearts of the people of Northern Ireland and in the hearts of everyone who has worked for peace the Taoiseach, President Clinton, community workers, civil servants. They will not be deterred.
"It is unthinkable to go back to the situation of the past 25 years so we will have to go forward and find a solution. I think it is now more important than ever to have dialogue, as John Hume has so eloquently stated.
"We cannot give up hope. It's our most important gift. As my brother, President Kennedy said In the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal."