The Minister for Regional Development in Northern Ireland, Mr Peter Robinson, is currently engaged in the task of finding the 10 men and women who will steer the Port of Belfast, one of the North's most valuable assets, in a successful and profitable direction over the next three years.

The Port encompasses the harbour facilities at Belfast docks and nearly 2,000 acres of some of the most sought-after commercial property in the North. Belfast City Airport, Bombardier Aerospace and Harland & Wolff are among the Port's more high-profile tenants.

More people are employed on the harbour estate than in any other single private sector site in Northern Ireland. Last year, the Port of Belfast handled a record level of trade and almost two million people - a third of the island's total ferry passengers - travelled through the facility.

Mr Robinson is keenly aware that the future success of the Port is vital to the Northern Ireland economy and he alone will have the final decision on the appointment of the harbour commissioners.

The Port of Belfast is just one of a number of key issues under consideration by the Minister for Regional Development. But as deputy leader of the Democratic Ulster Unionist Party, Mr Robinson is also intensely involved in party politics.

He led a legal protest yesterday against the Secretary of State, Dr John Reid's decision not to call elections for the Northern Ireland Assembly following the failure of Mr David Trimble, leader of the Ulster Unionist party, to be re-elected as First Minister.

Although the legal action was dismissed by the High Court in Northern Ireland, Mr Robinson has warned that the DUP plans to continue to oppose the reappointment of First and Deputy First Minister in the assembly.

Many business bodies in the North are privately dismayed by the continuing uncertainty that surrounds the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Confidential briefings have conveyed to key ministers the frustration now felt by many business leaders that the faltering political process is damaging both the economy and business morale in Northern Ireland.

Although business leaders remain united in their support both for the Northern Ireland Executive and individual ministers, many have voiced concerns that one stumbling block after another is getting in the way of addressing real issues such as the economic slowdown.

There is widespread support throughout the business community for the executive in the North, according to recent industry surveys that show some 47 per cent of key companies believe that the Northern Ireland Assembly has benefited their business in the past 12 months.

Sir Reg Empey, Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, has also won the support of the majority of the business community, despite having to balance the responsibilities of the office of First Minister following Mr Trimble's resignation.

Sir Reg's commitment to the business community at grass roots level has been well received by industry and trade leaders who are openly supportive of his office.

But there remains mounting concern among key business decision-makers that the Northern Ireland economy cannot sustain another indefinite period of political uncertainty.

Business and industry chiefs are now watching closely to see if key issues such as the new board of the Belfast Harbour Commissioners command the undivided attention of the minister responsible for that portfolio.

The Department for Regional Development has said that in making the new appointments to the board, the Minister would specifically be seeking to strengthen the Harbour Authority's public accountability.