THE first day's business of the US conference for trade and investment has been overshadowed by news of the bombs in Lisburn.

Most delegates only found out about the bombing when it was announced by Senator George Mitchell over lunch. But the immediate reaction was that it should not be allowed get in the way of what the delegates had set out to achieve.

Many delegates expressed sorrow and disappointment and a considerable sense of frustration about the timing of the bomb, just as US and Irish businesses were trying to build new partnerships to create economic growth and jobs.

Companies from the North and the Border counties of the Republic and their US counterparts are among 250 delegates to the conference, aimed at building closer business links between the US and Ireland and highlighting the potential for inward investment from US firms.

Sir Patrick Mayhew, the Northern Ireland secretary, spoke of the "extraordinary contradiction" between the news of the bombing and what the participants were trying to achieve in Pittsburgh.

The Minister for Trade and Tourism, Mr Kenny, summed it up for many when he said the news was somewhat depressing but "business is business and this will not deter anyone's involvement. Business is being done and will continue to be done."

Senator Mitchell, chairman of the Northern Ireland peace talks, said he clearly and unequivocally condemned the tactics. Nevertheless, he said he remained optimistic and hopeful about the talks and looked forward to them resuming as soon as possible.

Speaking at the conference yesterday, he made an impassioned cry for further inward investment into Northern Ireland. "I have not met better more attractive, more vigorous people than those I've met in Northern Ireland," he told the American investors. He also promised any American businessman at the Pittsburgh conference who came to Northern Ireland that he would personally meet them and give them a guided tour.

Delegates and political leaders alike were loath yesterday to publicly link the future of the peace process with the prospects for economic development. US trade secretary, Mr Mickey Kantor, said the two were like "a chicken and egg". Progress toward peace and economic development were inextricably linked, he said.

The strong political message from the conference from politicians North and South and from the US was that economic development must continue, notwithstanding the news of the bombing. Baroness Denton, the Northern Ireland Minister for Economic Development said that bombers belonged to the history books. Their tactics won't work, didn't work and weren't going to work, she said.

However, privately many of the political leaders will no doubt be considering the damage which escalating violence in the North could do to the goals of the conference in the long term.

For the moment, the participants in the conference are determined to get on with it. Perhaps one of the best indications of the determination of those present to get on with business was that The Irish Times could not find a single company which had not rushed into a "match making" session - designed to seek out potential US partners - immediately after lunch.

Designed as a kind of "blind date" the goal is to encourage trans Atlantic technology or business link ups.

Mr Oliver Tatton, chief executive of ABT, insisted that the bombing would not affect the conversations which businesses were having here. "It is already a success and will continue to be a success," Mr Tatton said. This sentiment was echoed up and down the corridors of the hotel in Pittsburgh.

Mr Ted Smyth, a Heinz vice president, pointed to the "incredible contrast" between the destructive bomb in Lisburn and the progress being made in Pittsburgh. He argued that the bombing was unlikely to have much impact on American investors. "They have already factored in the political uncertainty when making their investment decision," he said.

Mr Denis Power, of the Upper Springfield Development Trust said he was "disgusted" with the news but that it would not get in the way of his determination to seek jobs.

Mr Michael Duffy of the Irish Food Board pointed out that in the 18 months since the Washington Conference on Trade and Investment, people had become more informed about the political situation in Northern Ireland.

"This will probably just double people's resolve," he said.

Mr Malachy Stephens oil the Irish Tourist Board, said resolve had been strengthened and it was now all the more important to overcome difficulties. The bombs had only proved the futility of violent action, he said.