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13/03/2002
Leading NI figures attend St Pat’s functions
Northern Ireland’s key politicians and dignitaries alongside the Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern are in the United States of America to attend a number of key events with President George W Bush to mark Saint Patrick's Day.
Having put last weekend’s ‘Republic’ comments behind them, both David Trimble and Mark Durkan put on a brave and united front whilst attending a number of key functions on Capitol Hill.
However events were slightly marred following the news that Democratic Unionist leader Rev Ian Paisley announced he would be boycotting Wednesday’s White House event because he was asked to take part in a group photograph with other leaders, including Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams.
The First and Deputy First Minster held talks with the President Bush on Wednesday morning to update him on the current political stability of Northern Ireland’s devolved institutions. Speaking after their meeting both men said ongoing support from the United States Administration for Northern Ireland had been a key factor in enabling the devolved administration to bed down.
Mr Trimble said: “During our meeting with President Bush, we were able to tell the President that, while we have been through some difficult times, we are now in a period of stability, which will help the new institutions to work effectively.”
Mr Durkan said: “Our continued close relationship with the United States gives us the opportunity to show on the world stage that Northern Ireland has grown politically. We were able to tell the President that parties with different policies and beliefs can work together for the common good of the whole community.”
Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan flew into the US capital on Tuesday. Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern also flew in on Tuesday having just arrived from Saint Patrick’s week celebrations in Chicago.
Newly wed Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid is also attending the celebrations with his partner.
Gerry Adams and Sinn Fein vice president Pat Doherty arrived in Washington for meetings with President Bush's special adviser on Northern Ireland, Richard Haass, and New York Senator Hillary Clinton.
On Thursday, the First and Deputy First Ministers are due to meet US Secretary of State, General Colin Powell, to discuss the work of the devolved administration in Northern Ireland.
Their final engagement on Thursday will be to take part in a reception hosted by the British Ambassador to America, Sir Christopher Meyer.
(AMcE)
Having put last weekend’s ‘Republic’ comments behind them, both David Trimble and Mark Durkan put on a brave and united front whilst attending a number of key functions on Capitol Hill.
However events were slightly marred following the news that Democratic Unionist leader Rev Ian Paisley announced he would be boycotting Wednesday’s White House event because he was asked to take part in a group photograph with other leaders, including Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams.
The First and Deputy First Minster held talks with the President Bush on Wednesday morning to update him on the current political stability of Northern Ireland’s devolved institutions. Speaking after their meeting both men said ongoing support from the United States Administration for Northern Ireland had been a key factor in enabling the devolved administration to bed down.
Mr Trimble said: “During our meeting with President Bush, we were able to tell the President that, while we have been through some difficult times, we are now in a period of stability, which will help the new institutions to work effectively.”
Mr Durkan said: “Our continued close relationship with the United States gives us the opportunity to show on the world stage that Northern Ireland has grown politically. We were able to tell the President that parties with different policies and beliefs can work together for the common good of the whole community.”
Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan flew into the US capital on Tuesday. Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern also flew in on Tuesday having just arrived from Saint Patrick’s week celebrations in Chicago.
Newly wed Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid is also attending the celebrations with his partner.
Gerry Adams and Sinn Fein vice president Pat Doherty arrived in Washington for meetings with President Bush's special adviser on Northern Ireland, Richard Haass, and New York Senator Hillary Clinton.
On Thursday, the First and Deputy First Ministers are due to meet US Secretary of State, General Colin Powell, to discuss the work of the devolved administration in Northern Ireland.
Their final engagement on Thursday will be to take part in a reception hosted by the British Ambassador to America, Sir Christopher Meyer.
(AMcE)
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