EU 'Major Role' In Peace Process - McGuinness

The European Union has a "major role to play" in supporting the political process in Northern Ireland, deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has said.

Mr McGuinness made the comments ahead of a European Parliament debate on the peace process on Wednesday.

"I welcome the continued interest of the European Union in the peace and political process in the North of Ireland," he said.

"Last month I visited the European Parliament in Brussels and met with the leaders of the party groupings to update them on the current challenges facing the political process. The ongoing support of the European Union, particularly that of former president Manuel Barroso, is much valued.

"We have already witnessed its positive impact on the economy of the North and I am assured that will continue in the future with the support of the European Union."

Mr McGuinness's Sinn Féin colleague and MEP Martina Anderson said: "I welcome the ongoing interest of the European Union in the peace and politial processes in the North.

"The fact that this resolution comes so soon after Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness visited the European Parliament and met with the group leaders is an indication of how important the political process is in the life of the parliament."

(IT/CD)