Murphy welcomes Bush's ambassador Hass on 3-day visit

Northern Ireland Secretary Paul Murphy tonight expressed hope that the province’s politicians could overcome their differences and restore devolution.

As parties psyched themselves up for next week’s intense round of talks in the province involving the Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Mr Murphy welcomed the arrival of US President George W Bush’s advisor on Northern Ireland, Ambassador Richard Haass, on a three day visit to the British Isles.