America's role in NI process praised

Bertie Ahern brought Mr Bush a gift of shamrock

American support for the Northern Ireland political process has been praised as a "key factor" in ensuring its success by First Minister David Trimble and Deputy First Minister Mark Durkan.

The ministers hailed the US administration's help in securing devolved government in the province after a meeting with President Bush at the White House on Wednesday.

Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan met the president as part of the annual St Patrick's Day celebrations in Washington.

Speaking at the reception, President Bush said his government was prepared to do all it could to help the Northern Ireland process.

Our continued close relationship with the United States gives us the opportunity to show on the world stage that Northern Ireland has grown politically

Mark Durkan
Deputy First Minister

"Peacemaking can be hard work, like planting in hard soil, and as the Irish proverb tells us, you'll never plough a field by turning it over in your head." he said.

"Important work remains and the United States is ready to play its part."

Mr Trimble said both he and Mr Durkan had brought the president up to speed on the current situation in Northern Ireland.

"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," he said.

"We made President Bush aware that we can now demonstrate to the people of Northern Ireland that devolution can make a difference to their lives.

'Different beliefs'

"Through political co-operation we have made real progress in many areas, and are determined to build on this good work."

They will later sit at the president's table as principal guests when they attend the speaker's luncheon on Capitol Hill.

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.

Ian Paisley: Did not attend event

"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."

Earlier on Wednesday, Democratic Unionist Party leader Ian Paisley said he would not take part in a White House photo call with other Northern Ireland politicians including Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams.

Mr Paisley had been invited to the St Patrick's Day reception but said he was denied a private meeting with the president.

He had instead been invited to a group photocall with the leaders of the province's three other main parties.

Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan said they were willing to take part in the photo opportunity.

But the DUP's policy is to refuse to co-operate with Sinn Fein because of the republican party's links with the IRA.

David Trimble: "Dr Paisley can do what he wants"

Mr Durkan said he thought nobody would be shocked or surprised if Mr Paisley refused to join a "family photograph" of the Northern Ireland leaders.

Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern and Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid are also attending the celebrations.

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 Wednesday evening, Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan will attend the American Ireland Fund's annual reception in the Reagan Center which is seen as a key event in the Irish-American community.

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.

Both men will also meet senators and congressmen during their visit.

Mr Durkan is also due to meet Irish Ambassador Sean O'hUiginn.

Their final engagement on Thursday will be to take part in a reception hosted by the British Ambassador to America, Sir Christopher Meyer.