Ministers in 'no cutbacks' call

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The first and deputy first ministers have warned of a serious impact on jobs and services if London and Dublin cut back financial support.

They have said the Northern Ireland Executive needs certainty that it can proceed with its finances as planned.

Irish government ministers have promised that despite the economic downturn they remained committed to an estimated £800m in NI investment.

This is to fund roads and other infrastructure projects.

Separately, the UK government has been pressing for efficiencies which could take between £140 and £200m from the Northern Ireland budget.

Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness hope that Dublin sticks to its commitments and that London drops its demands for savings, otherwise they believe there could be a serious impact.

"We are seeking assurances. We recognise the difficulties that both governments face, but as a fledgling institution we need certainty moving forward," they said in a statement.

Washington

With the executive discussing economic matters on Thursday afternoon, it has emerged that a new advisory economic forum is likely to have its first meeting with the first and deputy first ministers next month.

The forum will include representatives of local banks, credit unions, businesses, the construction sector, the farming industry, trade unions and voluntary groups.

This weekend the first and deputy first ministers are setting off to the United States for a trip which will see them meeting the chief executives of US firms who employ people in Northern Ireland.

Visits are scheduled to companies like All State, Caterpillar and Seagate, with an emphasis both on trying to attract new jobs and on protecting jobs already in Northern Ireland.

The trip will culminate in Washington DC where the first and deputy first ministers expect to meet President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during St Patrick's Day festivities.