Former US president Mr Bill Clinton last night told an audience of 1,300 in Britain he believed the peace process in Northern Ireland would succeed.
Speaking at the Hay-on-Wye Festival in Wales about conflict resolution Mr Clinton said the peace process "is likely to succeed because ordinary citizens feel the benefit of peace in greater security and greater prosperity. There's a powerful incentive not to turn back".
But he said in the Middle East, despite peace talks, the standard of living for the Palestinians had not been raised, making the younger generation angry and more volatile.
Actors Joseph Fiennes and Alan Rickman, singer Cerys Matthews, academic Germaine Greer, journalist James Naughtie, Wales's First Minister Rhodri Morgan and comedian David Baddiel were among those who attended the talk.
They were also guests at the special dinner for 420 people, where tickets for a table for 10, including entry to Mr Clinton's talk, cost £2,395 sterling plus VAT.
Even at this price, the banquet was oversubscribed more than five times, festival organiser Peter Florence said.
PA