Northern Ireland's political leaders have been dubbed "the equal of elected officials anywhere" by former US senator George Mitchell.
Mr Mitchell, who chaired the multiparty talks which lead to the Belfast Agreement, said Northern Ireland politicians did a good job before the Assembly was dissolved in 2002 over allegations of a republican spy ring.
In an interview for Parliamentary Monitor magazine, Mr Mitchell said: "In the short time that they did have authority and engage in self-government, I think it's universally recognised that they did a good job," he said.
"They are certainly the equal of elected officials anywhere I've been and I've dealt with parliamentarians here, in the US and around the world. I'd put the political leaders of Northern Ireland up against anyone," Mr Mitchell said.
The former peace envoy to Northern Ireland did not share his own opinions on policing and devolution, saying only that there must be movement on both issues and that he understands "the difficulties [ politicians] have in reconciling the tensions between their immediate constituency and the needs of the larger society".
Mr Mitchell said the peace process has "to a significant degree" succeeded, but people must be patient.
"It's a dramatically different place than it was when I first went there 12 years ago. I recall very clearly the tension, the physical manifestation of conflict, the economic problems, all of them. Now I don't for a moment suggest that all problems are fully resolved and there are no longer any issues - clearly there are. But gosh, it's such a vibrant economy now, such a different place, where people can lead normal, safe and secure lives," he said.