Obama Lauds 'Heroic' NI

US President Barack Obama has met with Northern Ireland's political leaders in Washington, and praised the 'heroic' response of people in the province to recent terrorist attacks.

There was widespread condemnation of the murder of two British soldiers and a PSNI officer earlier this month, in attacks later claimed by dissident republicans.

Mr Obama said he was confident peace would prevail, and reaffirmed the strong ties between the US and Ireland.

"I want everyone listening to know this - the United States will always stand with those who work towards peace," he said.

National and international media organisations descended on Northern Ireland during the fresh attacks, with many reports focusing on the resolve of the peace process.

Local politicians were united in voicing their revulsion at the murders, prompting thousands of peace protesters to stage public demonstrations in towns and cities across the province.

President Obama said the spate of attacks had raised a "real question" of how the people of Northern Ireland would respond.

"Now we know the answer - they responded heroically. They and their leaders on both sides have condemned this violence and refrained from the old partisan impulses," he said.

"They've shown they judge progress by what you build and not what you tear down. And they know that the future is too important to cede to those who are mired in the past."

Mr Obama met with First Ministers Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness in the office of his national security adviser.

Announcing the prospect of future US investment back home, Mr McGuinness said "the dissidents' strategy would never unite Ireland in a million years".

Mr Obama also met with Irish Prime Minister and Offaly native Brian Cowen.

The American President, whose ancestors trace their roots in the county, joked that it was yet to be confirmed if he and Mr Cowen were cousins.

"We may be cousins. We haven't sorted that through yet," he said.

(PR/BMcC)