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Former US president returning to north

FORMER US president Bill Clinton is returning to the north to attend the opening of a new university department named in his honour. Mr Clinton's itinerary on march 5 will include the opening of Queen's University Belfast's William J Clinton Leadership Institute at Riddel Hall.

Queen's announced the renaming of the department last year in recognition of mr Clinton's contribution to the northern Ireland peace process. at the time mr Clinton said he was honoured to be associated with the institute.

The former US president and his wife Hillary have visited the north on several occasions. The president's last trip was in 2010 when he went to Derry.

Queen's acting vice-chancellor, Professor James Mcelnay said the university was honoured to welcome mr Clinton back.

"He has a long and proud association with both Queen's and northern Ireland and he will have the opportunity to see at first hand our leader-ship institute to which he has given his name," Prof mcelnay said.

"The aim of the William J Clinton Leadership Institute at Queen's is directly aligned to the goals of the Clinton Foundation.

"It provides a focus at the heart of the local business community, supporting economic growth and the ongoing development of the knowledge economy."