Mitchell recived the award in 2018
George Mitchell speaking during a three-day conference at Queen’s University Belfast to mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement
Calls have been made for Belfast City Council to revoke George Mitchell’s Freedom of the City.
US President Bill Clinton and Senator George J Mitchell were made Freemen of the City of Belfast in a joint ceremony at the Ulster Hall in April 2018, in recognition of their services to peace-building in Northern Ireland.
A bust of Mitchell, a former United States senator who played a crucial role in Northern Ireland’s peace process, and who was the Queen’s University Belfast chancellor for 10 years, was removed from the grounds in front of the Lanyon building on Tuesday (February 3). The bust, installed in 2023, cost around £35,000.
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The university has given up all attachments to the former senator over his links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and allegations from victim Virginia Giuffre. Mitchell denies any contact with Giuffre or any underage women trafficked by Epstein.
A spokesperson for the former Senator said he “profoundly regrets ever having known Jeffrey Epstein and condemns, without reservation, the horrific harm Epstein inflicted on so many women.” Earlier this week the US-Ireland Alliance said the George J Mitchell Scholarship Program would have its name changed.
The Freedom of the City tradition dates back to the early thirteenth century, and while in earlier times there were many privileges and benefits connected to the title, today it is purely honorary. Many well-known figures have been made a Freeman of the City including Queen Elizabeth II, Kenneth Branagh, Van Morrison and Dame Mary Peters.
Belfast DUP Councillor Sarah Bunting said there are “serious concerns in relation to links between Senator Mitchell and Jeffrey Epstein, and the expectations of the people of Belfast as to recipients of this highest civic honour should be to the fore in any decision.”
The Ulster Unionist Party said in a statement: “We would support reviewing and potentially stripping Mitchell of his 2018 Freedom of Belfast award to uphold its integrity, and we welcome any relevant committee action, prepared to propose or back a motion if needed.”
A Sinn Féin spokesperson said the party is “liaising with council officials on necessary actions that could be taken in relation to any recognition bestowed on George Mitchell by Belfast City Council.”
Belfast Alliance Councillor Michael Long has also said “it is no longer appropriate” to award Mitchell the Freedom of the City.
West Belfast People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll said: “George Mitchell’s horrendous association with Jeffrey Epstein should warrant the immediate revocation of his freedom of the city award.
“Mitchell and the Clintons have been lauded by the political establishment, north and south. The crimes exposed in the Epstein files are unforgivable. Belfast City Council must follow Queen’s lead and cut all ties with Mitchell.
“Belfast shouldn’t honour wealthy predators and their enablers, no matter how powerful they are.”
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