New York mayor promises NI visit

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7125552.stm

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New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has promised to lead a trade delegation to Northern Ireland next year.

He was speaking after Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness invited New York's leading business figures to see the results of devolution.

The first and deputy first minister gave consecutive speeches at the New York stock exchange.

The event, with a group of 50 invited guests, was the first engagement on the pair's week-long US tour.

Dr Paisley told the audience of potential investors Northern Ireland was a good place to do business.

Inviting the guests to an investment conference planned for next May, Dr Paisley said "the best way to see the product is to visit it".

Mr Bloomberg said he would visit after the conference.

Mr Paisley joked just before being served scrambled eggs "we will treat you to more than a breakfast".

Speaking immediately after Mr Paisley, Martin McGuinness said that he was delighted to be in New York.

Mr McGuinness said that the Northern Ireland economy is central to all the executive's plans and he told the guests: "I am very proud to work with Ian Paisley".

The first and deputy first ministers' visit culminates with a reception at the White House on Friday where they will meet George Bush.