U.S President Donald Trump has been invited to Northern Ireland by Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness, The Impartial Reporter can reveal.

The invitation was included as part of a congratulatory letter sent by the two former Stormont leaders before the power-sharing institutions collapsed.

The letter, sent to Mr. Trump on November 9, 2016, has been obtained by The Impartial Reporter.

Signed by both Mrs. Foster and Mr. McGuinness the letter reads:

“We are writing to offer our personal congratulations and those of all the people we represent on your election as the 45th President of the United States of America.

"We are a small region but we are fortunate to have strong historical, economic and political ties to the United States. Some of those links predate the War of Independence and we can boast that no fewer than seventeen of your predecessors had Scots-Irish heritage.

"In more recent times we have become a magnet for American companies looking for a European-based and we continue to attract American tourists in ever increasing numbers.

"We are proud to say that the United States is our largest inward investor and we believe that our relationship has proved mutually beneficial for both your great country and our small but dynamic region."

We wish you every success in your new role and we extend an invitation to visit Northern Ireland. You can be assured of a warm welcome.”