NI leaders on US investment trip

Martin McGuinness and Ian Paisley are visiting the USA

The first and deputy first ministers are departing for the USA this weekend in an effort to attract foreign investment to Northern Ireland.

Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness will visit New York and Washington during their week-long visit and will also meet President Bush at the White House.

They will also hold talks with Wall Street executives.

Economy Minister Nigel Dodds said he was confident that US companies would be keen to invest in Northern Ireland.

"I believe that in America in particular they value personal contacts at a high level," he said.

"So, whether it is to be the economy minister or whether it is at a higher level, there are certainly doors that would have previously been closed.

"I think it helps the work of Invest Northern Ireland quite considerably when they have direct ministerial support in trying to get doors open."

A White House spokesperson said the president was looking forward to receiving NI's first and deputy first ministers on 7 December.

"Over the past several years, the United States has actively supported peace efforts in Northern Ireland, which culminated in the formation of a unified Northern Ireland government," they added.

"This visit marks the first time that Dr Paisley and Martin McGuinness will visit the United States together since taking office.

"The president looks forward to congratulating the two leaders on overcoming years of violent conflict, and for taking the historic path toward a peaceful and prosperous future for all the people of Northern Ireland."