A LOCAL councillor could soon be breaking breakfast with some of the most powerful business figures in America if local council chiefs get their way.
Laganbank DUP Councillor Chris Stalford has been put forward by Belfast City Council chiefs to attend a business breakfast in Washington DC in his role as chairman of the local authority’s Development Committee.
Plans are also underway for Mayor Niall Ó Donghaille to make the trip over the St Patrick’s Day period as part of a wider delegation of the North’s political figures, including the First and Deputy First Ministers, that traditionally visits the White House to highlight Irish affairs.
The council have said that with 2012 one of the most important in terms of attracting investment and tourism, due to the launch of the Titanic project, two members should attend the annual Irish get-together to speak up on Belfast’s business behalf. Along with the ‘power breakfast’, Councillor Stalford could also meet US President Barack Obama at the Irish Ambassador’s Reception, for which invites are also being sought.
Tthe decision has yet to be ratified by full council.
Councillor Stalford declined to comment to the South Belfast News ahead of any final decision on the trip, while a council spokesperson said: “The theme of the breakfast will be Northern Ireland 2012 and the tourism industry.
“Should the Mayor and committee chairman be given approval to attend the Breakfast Briefing, the Northern Ireland Bureau will seek to ensure that they would also receive invitations to other events where there will be further opportunities to promote the city as an investment and tourism destination.”
