Foster and McGuinness congratulate Trump on election victory

Northern Ireland's political leaders have congratulated Donald Trump on his victory in the US presidential election.

First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness expressed hope the region's long-standing relationship with the US would be strengthened during Mr Trump's time at the White House.

"I congratulate Donald Trump on his historic election as the 45th President of the United States of America," said Democratic Unionist leader Mrs Foster.

"We are a small region but we are fortunate to have strong historical, economic and political ties to the United States.

"Northern Ireland has developed a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States and I look forward to working with Donald Trump's administration to continue this.

"As our largest inward investor the United States plays a massive role in our economic progress."

Sinn Fein's Mr McGuinness said: "I congratulate Donald Trump on his election victory.

"I will work constructively with President Trump to maintain and strengthen our well established and deeply valued relationship with the United States.

"Over many years successive US administrations have made a major contribution to both our peace process and economic development and I expect this to continue.

"I commiserate with Hillary Clinton who showed unwavering commitment to the north of Ireland as Secretary of State and First Lady."