Trimble meets Chirac over Northern investment

Northern First Minister David Trimble has discussed investment in Northern Ireland with French President Jacques Chirac and French business leaders in Paris.

He was accompanied during the Parisian summit by Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon.

After lunching with business leaders from France's largest employers group, MEDEF, Mr Trimble met briefly with Chirac and praised the French president for making time to see him before a key meeting with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.

"I think it speaks volumes that, before going to see Chancellor Schroeder, he takes time to speak with us," Mr Trimble said afterwards.