European politicians welcomed on Hillsborough Castle visit

Left to right: Lord Empey, Geoffrey Van Orden MEP, Lisburn Councillor Alexander Redpath, Danny Kennedy MLA and Jim Nicholson MEP

The Bureau of the European Conservatives and Reformists visited Northern Ireland on the invitation of Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson.

Commenting on the visit Councillor Redpath said: “I am delighted to welcome this delegation of senior European political leaders to Hillsborough Castle.

“The European and Conservatives Group is the 3rd largest and fastest growing within the European Parliament.

“Jim Nicholson was a founding member of the European Conservatives and Reformists and holds a number of senior positions within the group including acting as their rapporteur on the agriculture committee.

“Jim has been using this crucial post to lead Northern Ireland’s response to the dairy crisis.

“This visit serves to put Northern Ireland on the map for some of Europe’s most influential MEPs.

“I think it’s absolutely crucial for our representatives in Europe to act as ambassadors for Northern Ireland and this visit will do much to enhance our reputation on the European scene.

“I also wish to record my thanks to the Secretary of State for welcoming the delegation to Hillsborough Castle.”

Ulster Unionist Jim Nicholson MEP added: “I was delighted to welcome the Bureau of the ECR to Northern Ireland. The group includes 16 members of the European Parliament from across Europe.”