Push to promote Province launched in US

A major drive to promote Northern Ireland as a region at the forefront of innovation has been launched in the United States by Secretary of State, Paul Murphy.

At the Northern Ireland Bureau’s St Patrick’s reception attended by an influential audience on Capitol Hill in Washington, Mr Murphy said that Northern Ireland had an excellent story to tell the world and that the Northern Ireland Bureau, based in the American capital, had a vital role to play in projecting it to the United States audience.

“We will highlight innovation in Northern Ireland and highlight Northern Ireland as a world leader in economic development, research and technology, regeneration, post-conflict resolution, and cultural development.” said Mr Murphy. “We want the world to know that Northern Ireland is a confident, capable and outward looking region which is an excellent place to visit and to do business with.

“To assist in this drive, the Northern Ireland Bureau is launching an up-to-the-minute website, a new corporate identity and an information brochure highlighting all that is best about Northern Ireland.”

Tim Losty, Director of the Northern Ireland Bureau, said that in his contact with those at the highest level in the US establishment and indeed people in general, he found a great interest in Northern Ireland and a genuine desire to engage with the staff in the Bureau.

“I feel that the time is now right to open new doors which will be of great benefit for the people back home and also in the United States,” Mr Losty said. “The support and good-will exists in abundance and we must tap in to it and use it for our mutual benefit.”

The Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington co-ordinates the activities of Northern Ireland related organisations as well as developing an effective representation in North America as a whole.

(MB/SP)