A Fermanagh South Tyrone DUP MLA was one of a number of politicians in the United States during St. Patrick’s Day.

Deborah Erskine was attending the American Young Political Leaders programme, which is an organisation that has given elected officials and policy experts a global perspective through international exchange programmes.

Funded by the US taxpayer, Mrs. Erskine has met a variety of groups on her visits to Washington DC as well as the cities of Montgomery, Birmingham and Selma in Alabama.

The Windsor Framework has been a topic of conversation in the USA, with others seeking to understand it.

When asked about her thoughts on the framework, Mrs. Erskine said: “Our party leader [Sir Jeffrey Donaldson] has clearly set out the opinion of the party.

“It is important that the party is given space and time to fully work through the detail and garner some clarity on what has been presented to the party by the UK and EU.

“Whilst the work of the consultation panel continues, it is vital that each voice is represented and heard.”

While some have rubbished trips by NI politicians to the USA and suggested that they no longer serve a purpose, Mrs. Erskine however believes there are still opportunities to be found from such trips.

She said: “Each day has been a very jam-packed schedule.

“I met with Joe Kennedy, US Special Envoy to NI on economic affairs, members of the judiciary system, the US State Department, city presidents, the Chief of Staff of political parties, Governor Kay Ivey [the governor of Alabama], political lobbyists and journalists.

“I have found that amongst those I have met, there is a real bond that exists between the two countries. It is important that links are maintained to ensure economic and social prosperity.”

Mrs. Erskine has been using the US visit as a chance to ‘showcase’ Fermanagh and South Tyrone, she said.

“At each and every opportunity, I have been able to sell Fermanagh and South Tyrone as a place to live and work.

“It has been wonderful to showcase my part of the world to those I have met.

“From a health and prosperity point of view, I have met people who want to develop links with our hospitals and colleges locally and, for me, those links can only be properly developed through face-to-face, meaningful engagement.”

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