55th Congress of Liberal International opens in Belfast

The BBC reports that members of around 100 Liberal parties from across the world are gathering for the conference in Belfast.

And it quotes Alliance leader David Ford:

"Getting the chance to host this congress is a massive boost for Belfast.

"This is the first time that Northern Ireland has ever hosted the prestigious Liberal International Congress. This gives us the chance of a lifetime to showcase Northern Ireland to powerbrokers from across the globe.

"The Alliance Party's global links within Liberal International are extremely important, and I only wish all other parties in Northern Ireland took such a broad world-view."

And there is more on the Liberal International website:

Speaking in Belfast, as preparations for the Congress near completion, Lord Alderdice said:

'There is of course profound symbolism in holding the LI Congress in the Europa Hotel. It was once the most bombed hotel in the world, but became the setting for US President Bill Clinton, and leading politicians from Britain and Ireland to set Northern Ireland on the road to peace and economic prosperity.