Ritchie Urges American Engagement

A Northern political leader has railed against a lack of 'engagement' in the USA.

Margaret Ritchie has called for more political engagement with the Obama Administration.

The SDLP leader was speaking following a hastily scheduled meeting with the US President in Washington.

Ms Ritchie had earlier vented her frustration that she and UUP leader Sir Reg Empey were not invited to meet the US's Barack Obama alongside DUP First Minister Peter Robinson and the Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.

Mr McGuinness branded Ms Ritchie's public disgruntlement 'silly', insisting invites were at the discretion of Mr Obama.

The Sinn Fein man added that "it was not a good idea to come to the United States and criticise the president. It was not a good move".

Ms Ritchie said: "I was delighted President Obama took the time from his hectic schedule to meet with me.

"However, I would much preferred the meeting to have taken place with the First and Deputy First Minister and the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party.

"I took the opportunity to tell the President that the completion of devolution of policing and justice powers is only the end of the beginning of our political project."

She added: "We must do more to shape and improve our economy, develop and take seriously the issue of a shared future and bring forward a credible plan for the unity of our people on the island of Ireland."

A delegation of Northern Ireland Government ministers were in Washington to commemorate Saint Patrick's Day.

The Stormont team, which also included Economy Minister Arlene Foster, returned to Belfast last night.

During the visit it was announced US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will host an economic conference aimed at bolstering the province's business community on the world stage.

The event in due to take place in Washington in the autumn.

(PR/BMcC)