Trimble and Durkan strive for united front in US visit

The leaders of Northern Ireland’s power sharing government were today expected to put on a united front on the third day of their visit to Washington despite the controversy over David Trimble’s criticism of the Irish Republic.

The Stormont First Minister and his Deputy First Minister Mark Durkan were today due to brief US Secretary of State Colin Powell on developments in the Northern Ireland peace process.

However as they prepared to meet General Powell, Mr Trimble was at the centre of a diplomatic row with the Irish government following his claim during St Patrick’s Day celebrations that last week’s abortion referendum in the Irish Republic proved the country was ‘‘sectarian’’.

In comments which stunned the Taoiseach, the Ulster Unionist leader stood by remarks he made to his party at the weekend that the Irish Republic was a ‘‘pathetic, sectarian mono-cultural, mono-ethnic state’’.

And he claimed that because the recent abortion referendum in the Irish Republic was ‘‘sectarian’’ his comments to the Ulster Unionist Council had touched a raw nerve.

Mr Trimble’s remarks were, however, challenged by Mr Ahern and also disputed by nationalist cabinet colleague Mr Durkan.

Mr Durkan insisted: ‘‘I do not think the campaign was sectarian and I certainly do not think the vote was sectarian.’’

Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan’s meeting with Secretary of State Colin Powell will mark the end of a three day visit by both ministers to the US capital for St Patrick’s week celebrations.

Mr Durkan is flying on to St Louis where he will be the guest of honour at the city’s annual St Patrick’s Day parade.

The First and Deputy First Ministers mingled with guests at the American Ireland