Lord Chancellor, Lord Mayor, distinguished guests, members and friends of the University of Liverpool, it is a great honour for me to be recognized for my work in Northern Ireland. It's a special pleasure to have that recognition come from an institution as renowned as this one. The University of Liverpool has rightly achieved a reputation for excellence within the United Kingdom and beyond. I have been asked to speak about my experience in Northern Ireland. Before doing so, I would like to say a few words about my experience in the United States. First, I should warn you that I am a product of the United States Senate, an institution that is known for long speeches. There is a rule in the Senate which permits unlimited debate: any senator may speak at any time on any subject for any length. Many frequently do, and I myself have done so, usually possessing no knowledge and conveying none, but taking up a lot of time, which, if you have paid attention in recent weeks, you will know is one of the major functions of the Senate. But I am also a product of the State of Maine, which those of you familiar with the United States will know has a tradition of few words. Fortunately for you I am no longer in the Senate but I am still from Maine, and so I shall try to get across my thoughts and my gratitude briefly.