Bush holds historic meeting with Northern Ireland leaders

Dec 8, 2007, 1:48 GMT

Washington - President George W Bush urged US businesses to invest in Northern Ireland during a historic visit to the White House by the leaders of the self-governing British territory.

Bush hosted First Minister Ian Paisley and his deputy, Martin McGuinness, the once bitter rivals who now share power in Northern Ireland's government as part of a deal reached in March.

The power sharing agreement ended decades of turmoil between Paisley, who represents North Ireland protestants, and McGuinness, who represents the Catholics and is the second in command of Sinn Fein, the political wing of the Irish Republican Army.

'I want to welcome you all here. I congratulate you for seizing the moment and writing a hopeful chapter,' Bush said after their arrival.

Bush said more US businesses should 'take a good look' at the economic opportunities in Northern Ireland.

Paisley and McGuinness have been in the United States since the beginning of the week seeking more investment in North Ireland and met with business leaders like Donald Trump.

'We have had our political squabbles,' Paisley said. 'I think we have come to the end of that. I think that peace has come.'

McGuinness said he and Paisley have been able to put aside past differences, work closely together since they took office in May and 'there hasn't been an angry word between us.'

'I think that that clearly shows that we are set for a new course,' he said. 'There is peace and stability. We have transformed the political situation.'