US trade delegation is a 'positive opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland', says head of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Northern Ireland

​On Monday, a delegation of business and investment leaders from the US began a four-day visit to Northern Ireland, led by Joseph Kennedy III, the US special envoy to Northern Ireland for economic affairs.

They plan to meet a range of business, academic and civic representatives across the region.

However, despite acknowledging the importance of the planned discussions, Mr Pollen warned that "businesses cannot wait indefinitely" for Stormont to get back up and running.

"Of course, it would be much better if the Executive and Assembly were up and running, because investors prefer doing business in countries where there is political stability; however, businesses cannot wait indefinitely for politicians to sort out their differences," he said.

"We have to get on with the work of creating jobs, encouraging innovation and maintaining Northern Ireland's positive economic trajectory so we can build a prosperity agenda for the next 25 years."

Yesterday, Thomas P DiNapoli, New York state comptroller told the BBC that the New York State pension fund is to invest up to $50m (£41m) in Northern Ireland businesses.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said Mr DiNapoli's announcement was "fantastic news".

"Transatlantic business partnerships are vital to NI's prosperity, and I look forward to highlighting NI's potential to the delegation," he wrote.

Other business leaders who are part of the group include Mark Hartney of Breakthrough Energy Ventures and John Murphy, president and chief financial officer at The Coca-Cola Company.

Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O'Neill said she was looking forward to meeting members of the delegation and that the visit was a chance to attract investment and create jobs in Northern Ireland.

"This trade delegation is a major opportunity to showcase the unique opportunities that we have here through our unique access to the EU and British markets.”