Coronavirus: Arlene Foster and Michelle O’Neill to curtail US St Patrick’s Day trip

Stormont’s leaders are set to scale back their St Patrick’s Day trip to the United States in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Mar 2020, 19:23 BST
First Minister Arlene Foster (right) and Deputy Leader Michelle O'Neill are due to visit the US next weekFirst Minister Arlene Foster (right) and Deputy Leader Michelle O'Neill are due to visit the US next week
First Minister Arlene Foster (right) and Deputy Leader Michelle O'Neill are due to visit the US next week

The PA news agency understands First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill intend to cancel plans for the New York leg of their itinerary at the start of next week.

The DUP leader and Sinn Fein vice president are still anticipated to travel to Washington DC for a series of political meetings in the US capital later in the week.

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The move is believed to be in response to the unfolding Covid-19 situation, with the leaders intent on limiting their time away from Stormont.

The Executive Office has yet to formally confirm the move.

A spokesman said: “Ministers plan to travel to the United States next week to meet political and business leaders. The precise arrangements will be dependent on their broader ministerial responsibilities including Executive preparations to combat Covid-19. Further details of the visit will be provided in due course.”

Related topics:Arlene FosterMichelle O'NeillCoronavirusSinn FeinDUPNew YorkCovid-19