Ministers Meet In New York

Northern Ireland's first and deputy first ministers have held their first meeting since Peter Robinson's decision to withdraw his support for the Maze redevelopment.

Mr Robinson and Martin McGuinness met on Monday evening in New York to meet investors.

On their five day visit the ministers will meet with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and US diplomat Dr Richard Haas.

Mr Robinson said they would take every opportunity to promote Northern Ireland as a location for investors.

Alliance OFMDFM spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA said: "We have had a very difficult summer. Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness, as the First and deputy First Minister, should have demonstrated some leadership to reassure the public. However their spat over the Maze has shown that they are only interested in their own political self-interests, instead of that of the wider society.

"The upcoming cross party talks will give us an opportunity to resolve some of these issues, but we cannot rely on Richard Haass to come up with the solutions himself, the onus is on all Parties to work together to reach the best way forward for Northern Ireland.

"It is time that they begin to show the leadership that was lacking during the summer."

(CD)