SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon will attend the British-Irish Council summit being held in the Villa Marina today.

Sworn in eight days ago, Sturgeon is the first female First Minister of Scotland and first woman to lead the Scottish National Party.
Sinn Fein politician Martin McGuinness and Peter Robinson will attend from the Northern Ireland Executive, while the UK representative is Northern Ireland's Secretary of State Theresa Villiers.

Chief Minister Allan Bell will host the 23rd summit meeting, attended by leaders from ministers from the eight BIC member administrations. An Taoiseach Enda Kenny from the Irish Government will attend, as well as Welsh first Minister Carwyn Jones. Jersey is represented by Chief Minister Ian Gorst and Guernsey by Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq.

A government spokesman said: 'The Council will focus on economic growth and digital inclusion within member administrations. They will also consider the work taking place across the 12 British-Irish Council work sectors.'


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