Margaret Ritchie visits America with a shared future agenda

A shared future is the only way forward for Northern Ireland. That was the key message from Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA in advance of her week long trip to the United States.

The Minister’s visit will culminate in a Saint Patrick’s Day reception with President Obama in the White House. She will thank him for the USA’s contribution to creating a stable political environment in Northern Ireland but remind him that the huge task of reconciliation still lies ahead.

Another key ingredient in the trip is a meeting with Martin O’Malley, Governor of Maryland and other leading Irish Americans, to hear at first hand their ground breaking work in improving public services to disadvantaged communities.

In advance of her visit to New York and Washington, Margaret Ritchie said: “Now, more than ever, as the recent tragic events highlight, it is important that we build towards a shared future in Northern Ireland. We want the USA to stay engaged as we continue to tackle our divisions. We can learn many lessons from America, in tackling poverty, disadvantage and division. They have made great progress in recent years in reducing violence and conflict and I believe there are lessons we can learn. We still live in a divided society and I want to do everything possible to bring useful experiences and lessons back to Northern Ireland.”

The Minister will also be visiting communities and housing projects, previously divided who have used innovative methods to agree a shared future. She will learn about the American experience in providing social and affordable housing, tackling disadvantage and reducing community conflict.

Notes to Editors:

1. Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA will travel to USA on 12 March and return 18 March. She will carry out a number of engagements in New York and Washington.

2. Media enquiries to Philip Maguire at Press Office, Department for Social Development; telephone 028 9082 9079/07788108657 / e-mail philip.maguire@dsdni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.