Secretary of State embarking on three day visit to US

By Deborah McAleese

James Brokenshire is travelling to Washington to discuss the political crisis at Stormont with US officials.

The Northern Ireland Secretary of State is to hold a series of meetings with Trump administration officials and business leaders over the next three days.

Topping the agenda will be the political situation in Northern Ireland, the need for foreign investment into the region and Brexit.

Mr Brokenshire will be hoping to reassure politicians and business leaders that the region is open for business, despite the lack of an executive.

Speaking ahead of the trip Mr Brokenshire said it is "regrettable" that his visit takes place "against a backdrop of political stalemate in the region".

He insisted however that this was a "timely opportunity to brief members of the US administration, who throughout history have done so much to support our efforts in moving forward the political process, on the current situation".

He added: "I also want to reassure them that the UK Government is determined to see devolved, power-sharing government restored."

While in Washington Mr Brokenshire will meet with Conrad Tribble of the US State Department, the Vice President's national security adviser Andrea Thompson, former senator George Mitchell and various members of Congress to update them on the UK Government's priorities in Northern Ireland.

Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams is also in Washington where he will attend a memorial mass for former deputy first minister Martin McGuinness on Tuesday.

The Louth TD said he will also be meeting with political leaders and Irish America to discuss the Stormont talks and concerns over Brexit.