Ms de Brún made the comment on a recent visit to the city during which she met with a number of community groups and presented prize certificates at St. Mary's College. One of her engagements in Derry was a meeting with community workers in the Irish Street area of the city.

The Euro MP said Derry could play a key role in rebuilding the economy of the North. "One of the major challenges for the economy in the North of Ireland is in getting balanced regional development. The North West has been neglected for years and I strongly believe that there is now the opportunity for Derry to be the engine of growth.

"Any investment in regional development for this area must be based on a cross border approach. The North West Gateway project has the potential to redress the years of imbalance that Derry has witnessed. The redevelopment of the economy of the North West could serve as a model for the redevelopment of the economy across the North," she said.

Ms de Brún also said she believes Derry is the most politically aware place in the North. "I have visited Derry many times over the last number of years, both as a minister at Stormont and now as an MEP, and one of the things that has always struck me when I come here is how politically aware people are here. Derry people seem to be much more politically aware than people anywhere else, both in term of community politics and what is often referred to as bigger picture politics. Every time I come to Derry I know to expect a well-informed political discussion and debate," she said.

Ms de Brún also gave her backing to proposals to locate a major centre for conflict resolution at Magee. "The idea of a European Union facility for conflict resolution is one that is actively being pursued by the European President. I don't think the plans are at the stage yet where they are deciding where such a facility should be but I would certain;y imagine that the European Union would look favourably on Magee as a possible location," she said.