American Ireland Gala Fund dinner hears immigration reforms must not lead to 'hostility and exclusion'

Former US special envoy to Northern Ireland George Mitchell has issued a hard-hitting put down to the new US administration, insisting America is about diversity and not "who we want to keep out and throw out", writes Fiachra Ó Cionnaith.

Speaking at the high-profile American Ireland Gala Fund dinner in Washington DC on Wednesday night in front of guest of honour and US vice-president, Mike Pence, Mr Mitchell said immigration reforms must not lead to "hostility and exclusion" for minority groups.