PM seeks to boost Northern Ireland economy

8 May 2008

Gordon Brown and Irish Taoiseach Brian Cowen are in Belfast today to encourage American businesses to invest in Northern Ireland.

The US-NI Investment Conference was organised by the power-sharing executive to boost economic development.

Speaking on his arrival at Stormont, Mr Brown said that political stability would bring jobs, prosperity, security and a "great future" over the next few years.

He thanked Martin McGuinness and Ian Paisley for the "great progress" made in the year since the Executive and Assembly assumed power again.

The PM added that he looked forward to working with Brian Cowen to "move things forward" in the next years, and spoke of his determination to deliver a more prosperous future for the people of Northern Ireland.

Since 2003, an average of 10 US companies have come to Northern Ireland every year, resulting in over $1 billion investment and almost 5000 jobs.

• Invest Northern Ireland (new window)
• Northern Ireland Executive (new window)

Image copyright: Reuters