North's leaders to attend Clinton meeting

First and Deputy First Ministers are to attend a special meeting convened by former US president Bill Clinton about boosting the North's economy, it was announced today.

The gathering in New York this week will also include Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin, the North's new economic envoy from the US Declan Kelly and Secretary of State Shaun Woodward.

It will form part of the fifth annual Clinton Global Initiative meeting, with discussions focusing on how to attract more investment and jobs to the North.

Mr Clinton said: "I am honoured that some of the key figures who exercised political leadership to secure devolved government in Northern Ireland will join me at the annual meeting next week.

"I am looking forward to a stimulating and frank discussion about the region."

First Minister Peter Robinson, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and other panellists will also discuss how local businesses can reach US markets.

Boosting entrepreneurship in young people and highlighting how the North can be seen as an inspiration to other post-conflict economies will also be on the agenda.

The session will last an hour and take place at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers on Wednesday.

The annual meeting convenes world leaders from government, private enterprise, and the civil sector to develop and implement solutions to major challenges around the world.