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President Hillary 'would be a revelation'

HILLARY Clinton's candidacy for president of the United States has been warmly welcomed by leading female politicians in the north.

After years of speculation, the former US secretary of state announced on social media yesterday that she is running for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination.

Mrs Clinton (67) has visited the north on numerous occasions over the years and has been widely praised for her support of the peace process.

Naomi Long, Alliance MP for East Belfast, said Mrs Clinton's candidacy sends out the message that there are "no jobs off-limits to women".

"Having met her on a number of occasions I have been hugely impressed by her. She was a very good secretary of state and she clearly has a genuine interest in Northern Ireland," she said.

"She was personally very encouraging to me around the time of the flag protests, and more than that she is someone who encouraged more women to get involved in Northern Ireland politics and also globally."

Jane Morrice, a former assembly deputy speaker, yesterday told how she asked Mrs Clinton during a visit to Stormont in 1998 if she would run for president.

"She said it would be at least 10 years before there was a woman president of the United States and there would be a black president before that - and so the way is now clear," she said.

"I have had that in my head ever since. It's absolutely fantastic that she's doing it. She has done so much for women in the world, and she really did help support us in Northern Ireland," she said.

Ms Morrice, left with Mrs Clinton, who is now vice president of the European economic and social committee in Brussels, said it would be a "revelation" to have a female US president.

"It would be hugely important in terms of leadership. It is something that would really change the feel of global politics," she said.

She also said that Mrs Clinton being elected president could benefit Northern Ireland.

"Her legacy is still obvious in Northern Ireland from her many visits and solid support. She is definitely not only a friend of women but a friend of Northern Ireland," she said.

"She has always shown that she is a firm friend of Northern Ireland and the peace process.

"I am sure that in getting into the highest office she won't forget her friends, and that would be so valuable to have that link."

Mrs Clinton was first lady during her husband Bill's two terms as US president and then served in the US senate for eight years.

She lost out to president Barack Obama during the 2008 Democratic presidential primaries.