Trimble and Mallon meet US Secretary of State

The Northern Ireland First Minister and Deputy First Minister last night met the US Secretary of State, Mr Colin Powell, for half an hour. It was the first formal contact between the Bush administration and the North's devolved government.

Mr David Trimble said the meeting assured them of the interest of the administration.

Mr Trimble and Mr Seamus Mallon will today and tomorrow meet President George Bush briefly at the Speaker's lunch on Capitol Hill and a White House reception. The White House reception will also be attended for the first time by the Rev Ian Paisley.

Mr Mallon described Mr Powell as deeply engaged and said he was confident they would work well together. Mr Trimble said Mr Powell confirmed the process of "designation" of the "Real IRA" was underway to cut off US sources of funding to the organisation.