US approves NI aid package

The US House of Representatives voted tonight to commit £31.6m over two years to advancing the peace process in Northern Ireland, renewing support for an international programme pushing economic development in the region.

The legislation, passed by a voice vote, would assure continued US participation in the International Fund for Ireland, which since 1986 has sought to help bring peace between the Catholic and Protestant communities in Northern Ireland by creating jobs and cross-community development.