23/09/2009

Stormont Delegation In NYC

Key Northern Ireland political figures will reconvene in New York today for a second day of economic talks.

The Clinton Global Initiative conference opened yesterday, and was attended by Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams.

He will be joined by First and Deputy First Minister Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness later.

Employment Minister Sir Reg Empey and Secretary of State Shaun Woodward are among other delegates meeting in the city.

It is widely expected that UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown (pictured) will hold further policing and justice devolution talks with the top ministers while in the States.

Mr Brown is in New York as part of a wider United Nations conference.

Despite insisting "significant progress" was made at earlier discussions, Mr Robinson said several budgetary issues remain outstanding.

"Whilst I will be travelling to New York on Wednesday, I have made it clear that these financial discussions will not be concluded in the States," he said.

Mr McGuinness had said a deal should be done on the final financial package as soon as possible.

Today the men will meet with former US president Bill Clinton and other influential American business representatives for an event focused on Northern Ireland.

Last night the Assembly passed the second stage of the Justice Bill following several hours of wrangling.

The bill was backed by Sinn Féin, the DUP and Alliance, with the UUP and SDLP opposing to certain parts of the legislation.

(PR/BMcC)

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