North prepares for two-day Clinton visit

Mr Bill Clinton is due in Northern Ireland today for his first visit there since leaving the White House.

Mr Bill Clinton is due in Northern Ireland today for his first visit there since leaving the White House.

Mr Clinton, who travelled to the North three times during his presidency, is expected in Derry where he is due to visit Magee College before meeting the city's councillors and MLAs at the Guildhall.

During his two-day visit Mr Clinton is also due in Enniskillen in Co Fermanagh tomorrow where he will visit the scene of the 1987 IRA Remembrance Day bomb that killed 11 people.

Mr Clinton - whose Irish ancestors, the Cassidys, are said to have hailed from Co Fermanagh - will meet survivors of the bombing and will have a peace centre dedicated to him in recognition of efforts to promote reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

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He will also travel to Belfast to receive an honorary law degree from Queen's University also in recognition of his work to promote peace.

A gala concert featuring Northern Ireland pianist Mr Barry Douglas will follow the degree ceremony in the Waterfront Hall and afterwards Mr Clinton will be guest of honour at a banquet in the Great Hall at Queen's.

He is due to meet several senior figures from the peace process during his visit including Ulster Unionist leader Mr David Trimble, SDLP leader Mr John Hume and Sinn Féin president Mr Gerry Adams.

PA