This was the final time he visited Belfast.

As Attorney-General, he has visited Belfast monthly and knows the important figures there at first hand.

"These are the two longest-running conflicts since the second world war," said Mr. Beilin, who visited Belfast in January.

Mary Robinson becomes the first President of Ireland to visit Belfast.

King, who often used to visit Belfast twice a year, has not visited Ireland since shortly before the September 11 attacks.

He then went by boat to Ireland, visiting Belfast and Dublin.

In 2004-05, 5.9 million people visited Belfast, a 10% increase from the previous year, and spent £262.5 million.

Hillary Rodham Clinton of the United States was due to visit Belfast the following day.

The original business provided farmers visiting Belfast with feed and housing for their horses and the opportunity to purchase oats, hay, maize meal and flour.

If Mr Costes were ever to visit Belfast, I am sure he would approve.