10/03/2006

Political leaders receive invite to White House

The leaders of the main political parties in Northern Ireland have today been invited to the White House for St Patrick's Day celebrations.

An official announcement is expected from the White House later, however it is understood that the politicians will not meet with US President, George Bush.

Sinn Fein leader, Gerry Adams is expected to accept his invite, despite last year's rebuff by the US administration over alleged IRA involvement in the murder of Belfast man, Robert McCartney and the £25 million Northern Bank robbery.

It is understood that invites will also be issued to DUP leader Ian Paisley, Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey, SDLP leader Mark Durkan, Alliance leader David Ford and the Progressive Unionist Party leader David Ervine.

However, it is unlikely that the DUP leader will attend as his party have no plans to send a delegation to Washington DC.

(EF/SP)

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