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Progress in NI 'an inspiration' Progress in NI 'an inspiration'
(9 minutes later)
Political progress made in Northern Ireland over the past 10 years has been unimaginable, US President George W Bush has said.Political progress made in Northern Ireland over the past 10 years has been unimaginable, US President George W Bush has said.
He was speaking outside Stormont Castle where he met with First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.He was speaking outside Stormont Castle where he met with First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.
He said the world was impressed by the progress of peace and reconciliation.He said the world was impressed by the progress of peace and reconciliation.
"This is a good place for investment. Ultimately investment will help NI reach its full potential," he added."This is a good place for investment. Ultimately investment will help NI reach its full potential," he added.
He said other countries around the world looked to Northern Ireland and wondered if reconciliation was possible for them.He said other countries around the world looked to Northern Ireland and wondered if reconciliation was possible for them.
"Northern Ireland is a success story," he said."Northern Ireland is a success story," he said.
"Obviously more work has to be done. Progress made to date would have been unimaginable ten years ago.""Obviously more work has to be done. Progress made to date would have been unimaginable ten years ago."
Mr Bush also met Irish leader Brian Cowen and former first minister Ian Paisley.
ProtestProtest
Earlier on Monday, several hundred people demonstrated in Belfast city centre against his visit to Northern Ireland.Earlier on Monday, several hundred people demonstrated in Belfast city centre against his visit to Northern Ireland.
Some climbed to the roof of the city hall and erected an Iraqi flag.Some climbed to the roof of the city hall and erected an Iraqi flag.
The protest at Belfast City Hall was organised by the Belfast Anti-War Movement representing trade unions and student and women's groups.The protest at Belfast City Hall was organised by the Belfast Anti-War Movement representing trade unions and student and women's groups.
The police maintained a security presence and cordoned off the road to traffic immediately in the front of the City Hall as the number of protesters grew.The police maintained a security presence and cordoned off the road to traffic immediately in the front of the City Hall as the number of protesters grew.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown also travelled to Belfast to greet the president and his wife, Laura, on their arrival.Prime Minister Gordon Brown also travelled to Belfast to greet the president and his wife, Laura, on their arrival.
The president and first lady arrive in BelfastThe president and first lady arrive in Belfast
During his visit, Mr Bush will meet pupils and teachers at a mixed-faith school.During his visit, Mr Bush will meet pupils and teachers at a mixed-faith school.
His wife will also attend a series of private engagements.His wife will also attend a series of private engagements.
Security is tight, and police have warned that traffic delays are expected throughout the day.Security is tight, and police have warned that traffic delays are expected throughout the day.
People travelling to airports have been advised to allow extra time for their journey.People travelling to airports have been advised to allow extra time for their journey.