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04/02/2002
Trimble and Durkan pay respects to World Trade Centre victims
Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan have paid their respects to the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York during a wreath-laying ceremony at Ground Zero.
The first and deputy first ministers were on the second day of a week-long visit to the US, and laid the wreath on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland.
Following the ceremony, Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan also met with New York firefighters, hundreds of whom died when the World Trade Centre collapsed.
In his first visit to the US capital since becoming SDLP leader, Mr Durkan, along with Mr Trimble, met with senior congressional figures, such as Ted Kennedy and Hilary Clinton. The executive delegation also includes Agriculture Minister Bríd Rodgers.
The ceremony formed the second stage of the visit, as both Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan attended a debate on Sunday, which comprised almost 3,000 delegates, at the World Economic Forum - including politicians, business leaders and academics.
There are a number of the north's high-profile politicians in the US at the moment, including the Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams and PUP leader David Ervine. The assembled heard Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams make conciliatory noises on the future of the Northern Ireland political process during the debate.
The West Belfast MP said: "I don't think we can force upon unionism an all-Ireland state which doesn't have their assent or consent and which actually reflects their sense of being comfortable."
SDLP Finance minister Sean Farren was quick to respond to Mr Adams's remarks, saying: "If the Republican movement came to this conclusion sooner perhaps some of the tragic events over the past 30 years, including thousands of deaths, might have been avoided. The best indicator of Sinn Fein policy is current SDLP thinking."
At the same debate, Mr Durkan was buoyant on the prospects of the process and spoke of the equality and benefits which the institutions could provide.
The US visit represents the latest stage in Mr Durkan's diplomatic round robin, having already visited Dublin, London and Brussels in recent days, and leading party delegations to meet with Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan will also open a Washington bureau for Northern Ireland's devolved government to promote the province's interests.
(GMcG)
The first and deputy first ministers were on the second day of a week-long visit to the US, and laid the wreath on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland.
Following the ceremony, Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan also met with New York firefighters, hundreds of whom died when the World Trade Centre collapsed.
In his first visit to the US capital since becoming SDLP leader, Mr Durkan, along with Mr Trimble, met with senior congressional figures, such as Ted Kennedy and Hilary Clinton. The executive delegation also includes Agriculture Minister Bríd Rodgers.
The ceremony formed the second stage of the visit, as both Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan attended a debate on Sunday, which comprised almost 3,000 delegates, at the World Economic Forum - including politicians, business leaders and academics.
There are a number of the north's high-profile politicians in the US at the moment, including the Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams and PUP leader David Ervine. The assembled heard Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams make conciliatory noises on the future of the Northern Ireland political process during the debate.
The West Belfast MP said: "I don't think we can force upon unionism an all-Ireland state which doesn't have their assent or consent and which actually reflects their sense of being comfortable."
SDLP Finance minister Sean Farren was quick to respond to Mr Adams's remarks, saying: "If the Republican movement came to this conclusion sooner perhaps some of the tragic events over the past 30 years, including thousands of deaths, might have been avoided. The best indicator of Sinn Fein policy is current SDLP thinking."
At the same debate, Mr Durkan was buoyant on the prospects of the process and spoke of the equality and benefits which the institutions could provide.
The US visit represents the latest stage in Mr Durkan's diplomatic round robin, having already visited Dublin, London and Brussels in recent days, and leading party delegations to meet with Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan will also open a Washington bureau for Northern Ireland's devolved government to promote the province's interests.
(GMcG)
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New executive partnership engage in busy US tour
First Minister David Trimble and Deputy First Minister Mark Durkan have a busy itinerary for the closing stage of their week-long programme of US talks.
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The wife of Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble is set to stand as a UUP candidate for Lagan Valley. Daphne Trimble said she wanted to contest the seat, which is currently held by former UUP stalwart Jeffrey Donaldson, because it was a traditional "Ulster Unionist seat and the people have always been represented by Ulster Unionists".
UUP leader's wife to stand in Lagan Valley
The wife of Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble is set to stand as a UUP candidate for Lagan Valley. Daphne Trimble said she wanted to contest the seat, which is currently held by former UUP stalwart Jeffrey Donaldson, because it was a traditional "Ulster Unionist seat and the people have always been represented by Ulster Unionists".
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
