McCain hails 'inspirational' NI

Senator John McCain addressed an audience of Irish-Americans

White House hopeful John McCain has said he will retain the US special envoy to Northern Ireland if elected.

Republican Senator McCain told the Irish-American Presidential Forum in Pennsylvania that Northern Ireland's political progress was "inspirational".

Reminding delegates he is of Scots-Irish descent, he said there would be "no weakening in America's commitment to peace in Northern Ireland".

He urged Democratic rival Barack Obama to ensure the US envoy position stays.

"When in May of last year the world saw images of a devolved government in Belfast, restored under the stewardship of Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness, it captured a political courage the previous generation could have scarcely imagined," he said.

"There remains hard work ahead. It is an honour for the United States to be trusted as an honest broker by both parties to the Good Friday Agreement, and if I am elected president, I will continue America's leadership role.

"I am committed, as I know the American people are committed, to furthering the bonds of co-operation that have been forged in Northern Ireland's peace process.