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Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness call off USA trade trip
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Northern Ireland’s First and Deputy First Minister today called off their trade mission to America a second time following the Craigavon killing.
Boosted by a united political front in the Assembly, Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness had been due to travel together today to deliver the message that the Stormont administration needs bolstered by international investment.
While more than a day late, they had been expected to pick up their schedule which was to include six cities culminating a week today on St Patrick’s Day in Washington.
Officials in Belfast and the US were working to reschedule a number of meetings.
The DUP leader flew to London immediately after yesterday’s Assembly debate to hear Gordon Brown’s statement to the Commons following his three-hour visit to the province, and was joined in London by Mr McGuinness last night.
Mr Robinson, who led the emergency debate, said it was a moment of truth in which the entire province was being tested.
“Our future isn't dependent on the evil of those who seek to destroy our society, but rather it depends on the good that there's found in those throughout our community who want to build a stable, peaceful and democratic society,” he told MLAs.
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said there was no support whatsoever in the republican or nationalist communities for what happened and his party would support the apprehension of those involved.
In a show of solidarity, they were supported by the Ulster Unionist, SDLP, Alliance, PUP and Green Party leaders.
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I am an American who toured Northern Ireland in 2003 and loved the beauty of the land and the warmth of its people. It was also an uplifting experience to see that peace finally had taken hold. I find that, once I have visited a place, a piece of it stays with me, and events that take place there will always have greater significance for me than those in countries I've never seen. It saddens me terribly that there are individuals out there who would want to undo what has been achieved so far. I trust that the politicians and the people of Northern Ireland will remain strong in their resolve not to let this happen. My very best wishes to all of you who are for peace.
Posted by Peter | 12.03.09, 21:02 GMT
I as well as the huge majority of Northern Irish people feel dread in the pit of my stomach at the return of violence to our streets. It was fantastic to see leaders of all parties stand side by side united in disgust and determination to bring these murderers to justice. I feel that the ministers were 100% correct in calling off their trip - they should be in their own country showing that they are intent on stopping this senseless violence before any more lives are lost - it's a shame that a delegate couldn't have stood in for I think I speak for most people in Northern Ireland when I appeal to the cira and all dissidents to stop this campaign - all we want is peace.
With regards to the remarks about calling off the parades for 17th March and "tri colour flag waving" - this kind of commenting is not helpful and provokes more hatred.
Posted by Aiobheann | 11.03.09, 08:23 GMT
The 2 events have been done by men who are evil and have no conscience. We need to continue in the form of our education system to support integration and a united society no matter what religion or nationality a person claims to be. I don't call myself religious but we must adopt the 'love thy neighbour as thy self' approach.
Posted by Richard. | 10.03.09, 19:02 GMT
Belfast is a wonderful city, very much like my own, and I would gladly live there. The people of Northern Ireland are educated, hard-working, and always willing to work. I would not be too concerned as we have very little money to invest anywhere these days; we cannot even afford our own labor and the currency exchange rate is very unfavorable to us there.
The remarks below about St. Patrick's day and the tricolour are exactly the sort of thing these psychopaths are looking for. Remarks like this will soon provoke the same about triumphalist Orange marches. People who make such remarks are anxious to join the fight these people are trying to start. Don't fall for the oldest trick in the book of traitorous provocateurs or you'll end up like Iraq.
Posted by Chicago | 10.03.09, 15:57 GMT
It is entirely *correct* for the trade-trip to be called off.
It is a mark-of-respect to those people who have been murdered.
St. Patrick's Day will be the next hurdle. It must avoid involving triumphalist behaviour - tri-colour flag waving and all assorted nonsense.
I suggest either call off all festvities as a mark-of-respect - or incorporate a 2-minutes silence for victims of the troubles.
As the next generation it is our responisbility to our children's future to expose and destroy any remaining terrorist cells. The Political process is there to achieve whatever goals a party wants.
Posted by R | 10.03.09, 13:33 GMT
Peter and Martin, go to America and carry on with the trade trip. You can send statments back about your views on the killings. The people of Northern Ireland needs the trade and economic connections at this time.
This will also show the cowards that carry out such random killings, the new era of the occupied six counties will go on, no matter what they do.
Posted by Donald | 10.03.09, 11:10 GMT
While I understand it, I'm disappointed that the First and Deputy First Minister have called off their trade mission to America - this is playing into the hands of this murderous scum and their handful of supporters.
I hope however that they will simply reschedule.
Northern Ireland and her people will not stop just because these idiots have resurfaced.
Posted by mickey | 10.03.09, 10:30 GMT
We here in the U.S. condemn the cowardly actions of those involved in both violent incidents. They are not only anti-Irish actions but anti-human as well.
JC Sullivan
Past Press Officer
Ancient Order of Hibernians in America
National Board
Posted by JC Sullivan | 10.03.09, 10:22 GMT