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White House welcomes NI leaders White House welcomes NI leaders
(10 minutes later)
Northern Ireland's politicians are among those due to meet George W Bush at the official St Patrick's Day celebrations at the White House.Northern Ireland's politicians are among those due to meet George W Bush at the official St Patrick's Day celebrations at the White House.
Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern is to brief President Bush about the prospects for devolution.Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern is to brief President Bush about the prospects for devolution.
Most party leaders have opted to stay at home to concentrate on negotiations around power-sharing.Most party leaders have opted to stay at home to concentrate on negotiations around power-sharing.
The plight of victims and concerns about collusion have taken centre stage in Washington.The plight of victims and concerns about collusion have taken centre stage in Washington.
Raymond McCord, whose son's murder was the subject of a Police Ombudsman's report into collusion, will be present.Raymond McCord, whose son's murder was the subject of a Police Ombudsman's report into collusion, will be present.
He is asking the American administration to press the British government over his son's murder and the protection afforded by some special branch officers to loyalist informants involved in murder and other serious crime.He is asking the American administration to press the British government over his son's murder and the protection afforded by some special branch officers to loyalist informants involved in murder and other serious crime.
Mr McCord is part of a cross-community delegation led by Relatives for Justice.Mr McCord is part of a cross-community delegation led by Relatives for Justice.
Geraldine Finucane is also seeking support to ensure that she receives a meaningful public inquiry into the murder of her solicitor husband, Patrick.Geraldine Finucane is also seeking support to ensure that she receives a meaningful public inquiry into the murder of her solicitor husband, Patrick.
The McCartney sisters, Pauline and Catherine, will also be at the White House seeking justice for their brother Robert.The McCartney sisters, Pauline and Catherine, will also be at the White House seeking justice for their brother Robert.
While lobbying continues, there is a public mood of optimisim that political progress is being made.While lobbying continues, there is a public mood of optimisim that political progress is being made.
Meanwhile, business leaders in Northern Ireland believe an economic package of more than £5bn is needed to kick-start and transform the local economy.
The Northern Ireland Business Alliance said the money must be part of any political settlement because a peace process which does not improve the economic lot of people may not be sustainable.