This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7455806.stm

The article has changed 17 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 10 Version 11
US president meets NI ministers Progress in NI 'an inspiration'
(about 1 hour later)
United States President George W Bush has arrived in Belfast as part of his farewell tour of office. Political progress made in Northern Ireland over the past 10 years has been unimaginable, US President George W Bush has said.
Mr Bush and the first lady are scheduled to carry out a series of engagements. He was speaking outside Stormont Castle where he met with First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.
The First and Deputy First Ministers, Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness greeted him at Stormont Castle. He said the world was impressed by the progress of peace and reconciliation.
Several hundred people demonstrated in Belfast city centre against the visit. Some climbed to the roof of the city hall and erected an Iraqi flag. "This is a good place for investment. Ultimately investment will help NI reach its full potential," he added.
Prime Minister Brown also travelled to Belfast to greet the president and his wife Laura on their arrival. He said other countries around the world looked to Northern Ireland and wondered if reconciliation was possible for them.
During his visit, Mr Bush will meet pupils and teachers at a mixed-faith school. "Northern Ireland is a success story," he said.
Mrs Bush will attend a series of private engagements. "Obviously more work has to be done. Progress made to date would have been unimaginable ten years ago."
Protest
Earlier on Monday, several hundred people demonstrated in Belfast city centre against his visit to Northern Ireland.
Some climbed to the roof of the city hall and erected an Iraqi flag.
The protest at Belfast City Hall was organised by the Belfast Anti-War Movement representing trade unions and student and women's groups.
The police maintained a security presence and cordoned off the road to traffic immediately in the front of the City Hall as the number of protesters grew.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown also travelled to Belfast to greet the president and his wife, Laura, on their arrival.
The president and first lady arrive in BelfastThe president and first lady arrive in Belfast
During his visit, Mr Bush will meet pupils and teachers at a mixed-faith school.
His wife will also attend a series of private engagements.
Security is tight, and police have warned that traffic delays are expected throughout the day.Security is tight, and police have warned that traffic delays are expected throughout the day.
People travelling to airports have been advised to allow extra time for their journey.People travelling to airports have been advised to allow extra time for their journey.
The protest at Belfast City Hall was organised by the Belfast Anti-War Movement representing trade unions and student and women's groups.
The police maintained a security presence and cordoned off the road to traffic immediately in the front of the City Hall as the number of protesters grew.
Watch live coverage of the presidential visit to Northern Ireland at 1500 BST.