Policing Board holds US meetings

Members of the Policing Board are meeting US politicians

Members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board are starting a four-day visit to the US on Tuesday for a series of meetings with American politicians.

Board members will hold talks with senior administration officials, senators, members of Congress and policing representatives.

The seven-member delegation, headed by board chairman Professor Desmond Rea, will visit New York and Washington.

They will also attend events as part of the St Patrick's week celebrations.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Sir Desmond said it was a "critical moment in Northern Ireland's history and policing remains a central issue".

"The board recognises that there are challenges ahead. I am confident that the board will continue to meet its important policing oversight responsibilities," Sir Desmond said.

"We have come a long way in a relatively short space of time. The US administration and a range of US audiences have taken a close interest in Northern Ireland affairs.

"The board is grateful to all those who have been prepared to voice support and give encouragement to policing in Northern Ireland."

The other members of the delegation are Barry Gilligan, Pauline McCabe, the DUP's Ian Paisley jnr, Ulster Unionist Danny Kennedy, PUP leader Dawn Purvis and the SDLP's Dolores Kelly.

Among those they will be meeting with is the US special envoy Dr Paul Dobriansky as well as the British and Irish ambassadors to the US.