US PRESIDENT George W Bush has urged Northern Ireland's most senior politicians to further consolidate the peace process, saying few leaders get a chance to make history.
Speaking at Stormont Castle during his afternoon visit to Belfast, Mr Bush praised First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness for helping create political stability in Northern Ireland but stressed that they must continue with their efforts.
"He told them that very few leaders get a chance to make history, but that by continuing to make the peace process work they were making history," explained one observer to the talks yesterday.
Mr Bush told Mr Robinson and Mr McGuinness that he hoped to see progress on the issue of transferring policing and justice powers to the Northern Executive.
The US president, on the final leg of his farewell European tour, also met the Taoiseach Brian Cowen and British prime minister Gordon Brown at Stormont Castle.
At his personal request he also held a meeting with former first minister, the Rev Ian Paisley, with whom he has struck up a bond of affection.
Mr Bush, Mr Robinson and Mr McGuinness pronounced the visit a great success, saying that it would strengthen the Northern Ireland-United States relationship and open up continuing opportunities for American investment in the North.
The US president pledged to continue promoting Northern Ireland during his remaining period in office. Mr McGuinness said Mr Bush had also invited both him and Mr Robinson to visit him in the White House before his presidency ended in six months' time.