First and Deputy First Ministers cancel St.Patrick's day trip to Washington due to Covid-19

By PA and Q Radio News

Stormont's leaders have cancelled plans to travel to the United States later this week to attend St Patrick's events in Washington DC, deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said.

Ms O'Neill and First Minister Arlene Foster were due to fly to the US capital on Wednesday.

They had already cancelled the New York leg of their itinerary.

"We remain in the containment stage, however as leaders of the Executive we have decided to suspend our travel to the United States this week since our full attention is on civil contingency planning around the coronavirus outbreak and protecting public health," said Ms O'Neill.

"We are fully engaged in the Cobra meetings alongside England, Scotland and Wales in assessing the response to the outbreak on advice from our chief medical officer.

"There is all-Ireland co-ordination between health and medical professionals on a daily basis also. I am in regular contact with Tanaiste Simon Coveney and health ministers north and south are also working closely."

Ms O'Neill added: "It is regrettable that we must suspend our travel to the US to meet with political leaders and potential investors, but it is necessary.

"We were going to deliver the message that the north is open for business and is a great place to invest.

"We look forward to working with the new Special Envoy Mick Mulvaney and his colleague, Consul General Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau, to build on our strong economic links as we work to protect our interests after Brexit."

First Minister Arlene Foster said: “This has been a difficult decision but we felt that in the light of the developing situation it was the only one we could take.

“The deputy First Minister and I were both involved in yesterday’s COBR meeting and will continue to engage with ministerial colleagues and health professionals to ensure our response is guided by the latest scientific advice. While it is disappointing to cancel this important trip, our focus has to be on fulfilling our role in protecting public health.”

The deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “As leaders of the Executive it is important that we support critical decision making in relation to the Covid-19 response.

“We deeply value our relationship with the United States and are committed to developing and strengthening those links. I look forward to visiting the US in the future as we continue our efforts to attract further inward investment and visitors to our shores.”

Economy Minister Diane Dodds will attend a number of engagements with influential stakeholders over the coming days in Washington to deliver the message that Northern Ireland is open for business.