NI leaders set for New York talks

Martin McGuinness and Peter Robinson will attend the summit

The first and deputy first ministers are to attend a summit on Northern Ireland in New York next Wednesday.

Former US President Bill Clinton will chair the session at his fifth annual Clinton Global Initiative meeting.

Also attending will be Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward, US Economic Envoy to NI Declan Kelly and Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin.

Panellists will discuss the economy as well as how NI can inspire other post-conflict economies around the world.

Mr Clinton said he was "looking forward to a simulating and frank discussion about the region".

"I am honoured that some of the key figures who exercised political leadership to secure devolved government in Northern Ireland will join me at the annual meeting next week," he said.

During the hour-long session, the panel will debate how to make Northern Ireland "even more appealing for foreign investors, how local businesses can reach their markets in the US and how the talents of young people in the region can be utilised through entrepreneurship".

Republican sources have expressed hope that Mr Clinton may use his influence to help them overcome obstacles related to the devolution of policing and justice.

Formed in 2005, the Clinton Global Initiative aims to "bring together a carefully selected group of the world's best minds and most distinguished problem-solvers to focus on practical, effective measures".

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