David Cameron 'engaged' with Northern Ireland politics

David Cameron visited the Giant's Causeway as part of his trip to Northern Ireland

Prime Minister David Cameron has said he is "fully engaged" in the Northern Ireland political process.

Northern Ireland's first and deputy first ministers, Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness, say they have met US President Barack Obama more often.

Mr Cameron said the success of devolution to Stormont meant crisis meetings were no longer necessary.

He was speaking in Northern Ireland as part of his UK-wide tour to promote the Olympics.

"I am fully engaged and I want to see progress in Northern Ireland," he said.

The prime minister said he wanted to see agreement reached on legislation aimed at healing sectarian divisions between Protestants and Catholics.

"I really want to see progress on that and it is local politicians that need to deliver on that," he said.

On the issue of devolving corporation tax powers to Stormont, Mr Cameron said politicians and Treasury officials would meet again in the autumn to discuss the issue.

"There are difficult issues that have to be hammered out, but I am in no doubt that we need to do more to encourage the private sector and growth in the private sector in the Northern Irish economy," he said.

Mr Cameron's visit to Northern Ireland was aimed at sending the message that the London Olympics would benefit all four regions of the UK, and he insisted Northern Ireland was a central part of the UK's sporting efforts despite not featuring in the Team GB title.

"Team GB is a team for the whole of the United Kingdom," he said.

"There are some fantastic athletes from Northern Ireland taking part."