Menu
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 May 2008
Bush Adds His Voice Of Support For NI
As if the attendance of President Bush's Special Envoy on Northern Ireland Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky wasn't enough - George Bush himself has now featured at this week's US-NI Investment Conference. He has sent a video message of support to delegates at the North American investment conference in Belfast.
Bush Adds His Voice Of Support For NI
As if the attendance of President Bush's Special Envoy on Northern Ireland Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky wasn't enough - George Bush himself has now featured at this week's US-NI Investment Conference. He has sent a video message of support to delegates at the North American investment conference in Belfast.
14 March 2003
Union leader accuses US president of 'hypocrisy'
The leader of Northern Ireland’s trade union movement has accused US President George Bush of "hypocrisy" in encouraging Northern Ireland’s politicians to talk peace while preparing for war in the Middle East.
Union leader accuses US president of 'hypocrisy'
The leader of Northern Ireland’s trade union movement has accused US President George Bush of "hypocrisy" in encouraging Northern Ireland’s politicians to talk peace while preparing for war in the Middle East.
16 September 2021
Irish President Turns Down Invite To Mark NI Centenary
The DUP has asked the Irish President Michael D Higgins if he is "officially snubbing" Northern Ireland's centenary. Strangford MLA Peter Weir has written to the Irish President asking if his office is joining the SDLP and SF in boycotting events which mark NI's centenary.
Irish President Turns Down Invite To Mark NI Centenary
The DUP has asked the Irish President Michael D Higgins if he is "officially snubbing" Northern Ireland's centenary. Strangford MLA Peter Weir has written to the Irish President asking if his office is joining the SDLP and SF in boycotting events which mark NI's centenary.
14 March 2007
Paisley and Adams discuss deals
The DUP leader Ian Paisley and Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams have met with Prime Minister Tony Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown in London today. The separate meetings follow the Northern Ireland Assembly elections last week that saw the DUP and Sinn Fein romp home as the two largest parties in the suspended NI Assembly.
Paisley and Adams discuss deals
The DUP leader Ian Paisley and Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams have met with Prime Minister Tony Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown in London today. The separate meetings follow the Northern Ireland Assembly elections last week that saw the DUP and Sinn Fein romp home as the two largest parties in the suspended NI Assembly.
04 February 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.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
