Northern Ireland's involvement in the EU has allowed it to become an "outward and open-minded place," the Alliance Party has said in its manifesto for Europe.

The party said being a member of the EU "allows us to overcome our 'small wee country' attitude and turn Northern Ireland into an outward and open-minded place, ready to play a bigger role in world affairs."

The comments come as Alliance releases its EU manifesto, in which it describes itself as "whole-heartedly pro-European".

"Alliance supports the European Union because it has broken down barriers between people," the manifesto says. "Just as Alliance supports overcoming divisions in Northern Ireland, it also supports overcoming divisions between states, regions, nation and communities across Europe.

"Constructive engagement with the EU has brought massive benefits to Northern Ireland – financial, economic and environmental. It has also benefited our neighbours in Ireland and in Britain. Continued positive engagement with the EU will help Northern Ireland to succeed, as a region in the modern world."

(IT/MH)