Criticism over Washington numbers

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Alliance leader David Ford has criticised the power-sharing executive for sending seven ministers to the United States for a folklife festival.

Northern Ireland is one of only two featured foreign regions in the Smithsonian festival in Washington.

Executive ministers have said the festival represents a unique opportunity to promote tourism and culture in Northern Ireland.

Mr Ford said the attendance of seven ministers at the event was excessive.

"Only the enterprise and culture ministers can rightly say they should be attending, with possibly the first and deputy first ministers, if they can help maximise the impact of the festival," he said.

"Obviously, we must maximise the potential for tourism and investment opportunities that this event could bring; however, one must ask why so many other ministers felt the need to attend."

Employment Minister Sir Reg Empey is flying out later this week.

His trip will include studying the role of further and higher education in attracting new industries to North Carolina and supporting links between Queens University and Georgetown University in Washington.

He defended his colleagues' activities.

"It has to be said that if the American people are prepared to support us then surely the very least we can do is indicate some sort of reciprocation that we're interested and we're glad," he said.

"I don't dispute that our ministers will be working hard and promoting Northern Ireland not only to the US administration but to the people of the United States."

160 delegates from Northern Ireland are attending the Smithsonian festival which is expected to draw more than a million visitors.