US Investment To Follow Stormont Agreement - McGuinness

Northern Ireland could see a fresh wave of trade and political missions from the US following the Stormont House Agreement, according to deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.

The Agreement was reached just before Christmas following 11 weeks of talks between Northern Ireland's leaders to resolve outstanding issues such as welfare, health and the budget, but also issues relating to the past such as flags, emblems and parades.

Mr McGuinness made the remarks following a visit to the US this week, during which he attended US President Barack Obama's 'State of the Union' address in Washington.

He said: "I was honoured to be invited to the State of the Union address by Congressman Richard Neal who has been an influential and hugely supportive figure since the very early days of the Irish peace process.

"Successive US administrations have been pivotal in terms of the progress we have made away from a very bitter and protracted conflict. Countless other individuals, lobby groups and organisations have also payed a crucial role. And of course in the most recent negotiation, the influence of Secretary of State John Kerry and Senator Gary Hart was a crucial factor in securing the deal which built on the excellent work done by Richard Haass and Meghan O'Sullivan 12 months previously.

"It was also very clear from the course of my discussions that there is still a very strong interest in the US and over the next short while, there is a strong possibility of new trade and political missions to the north, including a visit by potential investors to Derry and Belfast."

(IT/MH)