Stormont leaders to meet EC president

The leaders of Northern Ireland’s power-sharing government were today rounding off their visit to Brussels with a meeting with EC President Romano Prodi.

First Minister David Trimble and Deputy First Minister Mark Durkan were in the Belgian capital to officially open the new Northern Ireland Executive Office.

They were expected to thank Mr Prodi for his continuing interest in Northern Ireland and his assistance in securing funding packages.

Today’s meeting followed last night’s reception at the new office, which is just yards from the European Parliament.

Speaking to 120 European dignitaries, Mr Trimble stressed the office would be the focus for the Executive’s relationship with the EU and would work to ensure the province was cast in a positive light.

‘‘The office will help to ensure that Northern Ireland’s interests are taken fully into account in the work of the European institutions and in the development of UK policy on EU matters,’’ he said.

Mr Durkan said the office would enable the power-sharing administration to play its full role in European affairs.

‘‘This office will raise the profile of Northern Ireland in Brussels, organising promotional events to show the best of what we have to offer, whether in the business or cultural sphere,’’ he said.

A political row yesterday cast a shadow on the official opening, with Northern Ireland’s MEP’s claiming they weren’t consulted over the opening of the office.

Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson claimed more of Europe’s major political players would have accepted invitations had the Executive sought the MEP’s help.

‘‘I think they didn’t recognise the very strong position of MEPs within Brussels and that we have many contacts within the parliament that they don’t have,’’ he said.

But both Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan rejected criticism that they deliberately snubbed the three MEPs.