An international business gathering to promote Ireland-US business, due to take place in Washington, DC on October 31st, has become a casualty of the attacks on the US and the subsequent US retaliation, writes Conor O'Clery, in New York.

A spokesman for the Irish Embassy in Washington said the event had been postponed until the spring due to travel difficulties which could inhibit some people from attending.

The Tβnaiste, Ms Harney; Northern Ireland Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Sir Reg Empey; and the US Commerce Secretary, Mr Donald Evans; had accepted invitations to attend the US-Ireland Business Summit.