PRESS RELEASE

24 November 2008

PRESIDENT OF EU PARLIAMENT VISITS NI ASSEMBLY

Parliament Buildings played host today to the President of the European Parliament.

The President, Professor Hans-Gert Pöttering, met with the Speaker of the Assembly, Mr William Hay, MLA and addressed Assembly Members on the current challenges facing the EU.

Welcoming Professor Pöttering, the Speaker said, “We are always honoured to welcome parliamentarians from other legislatures and are particularly pleased to see the President of the European Parliament here at Parliament Buildings.

“ Northern Ireland has received strong and much appreciated support from the European Union, and President Pöttering’s visit coincides with a renewed interest among our Members in how our Assembly should relate to the institutions of Europe.”

Professor Pöttering has been President of the European Parliament since January 2007, having served in the European Parliament continuously since the first elections in 1979 .

ENDS

Notes to editors

The President’s address to Assembly Members took place in the Senate Chamber of Parliament Buildings.

Before his address to MLAs President Pottering met with business people and MLAs who work together within the Assembly and Business Trust.

Media enquiries to:
Debra Savage, Northern Ireland Assembly Information Office, Room B2, Parliament Buildings, Belfast BT4 3XX
Tel: + 44 (0) 28 90521405
Mobile : 07920 864221
Email – info.office@niassembly.gov.uk