McCrea gets Nile trip birthday gift - 29/12/09

Ulster Unionist Basil McCrea has received a River Nile trip as a surprise birthday gift.

The Lagan Valley MLA, who turned 50 on November 13, left for the cruise up the Nile on Sunday.

Business at Stormont and at the offices at the Northern Ireland Policing Board delayed his departure. Mr McCrea has had a seat in the Stormont chamber since 2007.

Previouslt, the US and the Middle East have been his favourite travel destinations, but now he is looking forward to this trip to Egypt and is eager to see the pyramids.

Mr McCrea said he is interested in the history of that part of the world.

Expressing his excitement to travel to Egypt, he said: "I'm told its going to be pretty hot. I can't wait."