Ritchie Says Taoiseach Should Visit Assembly

SDLP Leader and South Down MP Margaret Ritchie MLA has written to the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly suggesting that the Taoiseach Enda Kenny should be invited to Parliament Buildings to address the Assembly.

She said, “With new administrations in Dublin and London and a new Executive in Belfast there is a real opportunity for a recalibration of politics in Ireland.

“Already we have seen two British prime ministers and the American Secretary of State address members of the Northern Ireland Assembly. It would now be fitting that we invite the Taoiseach to Parliament Buildings as the natural enhancement of north-south co-operation.

“Ministers on both sides of the Border are already working closely together in the best interests of our island. It is important we pool our ideas and I am sure all members of the Assembly would benefit from the Taoiseach’s views on how his government will identify new areas of north-south co-operation.

“Furthermore, we must strive for greater economic co-operation to accelerate the process of recovery and creation of jobs on this island,” added Ms Ritchie.