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White House bound

Mark Devenport | 16:58 UK time, Monday, 2 March 2009

The First and Deputy First Ministers recently suggested it would improve the quality of their question time if they shifted to a once a month rather than fortnightly appearance. But today, just a mere seven days after Martin McGuinness answered questions, Peter Robinson was on his feet. the reason - the dynamic duo are off to the United States next week for a coast to coast St Patrick's Day tour.

The FM and DFM will visit US firms who employ people here in the hope of persuading them to continue their involvement, despite the credit crunch. The trip will culminate in Washington D.C. where President Obama is expected to host his first St Patrick's reception.

Questioned about whether the President's election promises to keep jobs in the USA would impact on US economic involvement in Northern Ireland, Mr Robinson expressed the hope that the new President would be just as committed as his predecessors to investment here. Nevertheless it's a sign of the changing times that this latest trip is focussed on protecting jobs rather than attracting new ones.

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