UUP Leader Doug Beattie MC MLA said:

“It was a pleasure to welcome the President of the United States of America to Northern Ireland today.  This was an opportunity to engage directly with the President and I was glad I got the opportunity to do so.  My mantra is always that of more engagement, not less.

“The President’s visit to Belfast is an indication of the scale of opportunity that stands to be grasped for our people.  I believe this opportunity must be grasped by a restored Assembly and Executive.

“Whilst today there was rightly reflection on the importance of the Belfast Agreement in securing the peace we have enjoyed for 25 years now, there was also a welcome focus on prosperity.  The next 25 years must be about delivering opportunities and prosperity for all our people.  I believe the USA can play an important role in helping to deliver this and I will work with the President’s Administration to make this a reality.”