January visit to White House in works for North leaders

Gerry Moriarty in Belfast and Simon Carswell in Washington

Irish and American officials are trying to plan a visit by Northern Ireland's departing First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness to the White House early next month.

The trip, which is still being worked on, could involve a meeting with US Vice President Joe Biden.

Officials are also hoping that there might be a potential "walk-by" at the meeting by President Barack Obama, though many details have still to be agreed and are dependent on matching busy schedules.

The official line from Stormont was that there is nothing in the diary and nothing has been arranged but a senior Belfast source confirmed that both the outgoing First Minister and Mr McGuinness hope to pay a visit to Washington before Mr Robinson officially steps down.

“We are unable to confirm any visit at this time,” said a spokesman for the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister.

The visit would be an opportunity for the Obama administration to acknowledge the success of Northern Ireland’s leaders in breaking the deadlock in budget talks and reaching a political deal last month.

It would also offer a chance for the parties to salute the influential role played by former US senator Gary Hart, who acted as special representative for secretary of state John Kerry to Northern Ireland.

Mr Robinson and Mr McGuinness were due to meet US deputy secretary of state Tony Blinken in March but the meeting was postponed after the Northern Ireland leaders cancelled their St Patrick's Day visit to the US to focus on budget talks at home.

The political agreement reached last month presents an occasion for the Obama administration to praise the work of the parties ahead of Mr Robinson’s departure as First Minister next month.

President Barack Obama had said on the St Patrick’s Day visit of Taoiseach Enda Kenny to the Oval Office in 2014 that he was “disappointed” that the all-party talks in Northern Ireland had not reached a final agreement. He urged all parties to continue negotiating.

Officials have been trying to plan meetings in Washington for the two leaders during the week beginning January 11th.

Mr Robinson’s announcement on social media on Wednesday that he would hand over the First Minister reins on that date has complicated planning and may bring the visit forward.

While Minister of Finance Arlene Foster is expected to be officially elected and ratified as the next DUP leader next Thursday, Mr Robinson will remain in the post of First Minister until Monday, January 11th. On that day at the first post Christmas recess meeting of the Northern Assembly Ms Foster will be appointed as First Minister.

“I look forward to handing over my @DUPleader Twitter handle to the new leader on January 11th,” said Mr Robinson in a tweet.

Ms Foster said the coming period would be an “exciting time” for unionists with Northern Ireland facing into the centenary of its foundation in 2021.