Bush makes journey to EU-US summit
US President George Bush flew into Ireland tonight amid the biggest security operation in the history of the State.
Mr Bush and his wife Laura waved from the steps of Air Force One but the public and anti-war protesters were kept well away from the remote runway at Shannon Airport.
Snipers manned the roofs of buildings overlooking the landing area as Mr Bush made his way from the aircraft into his presidential car – an armoured Cadillac.
The president then began the brief journey to the nearby luxurious Dromoland Castle where he will attend an EU-US summit.
More than 2,000 troops and heavy armoured vehicles surrounded the airport’s perimeter fence and military helicopters patrolled overhead as anti-war protesters gathered outside the security cordon.
Mr Bush, his wife and their entourage, which included Secretary of State Colin Powell and National Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice, were greeted by Bertie Ahern, currently the President of the European Commission, on their arrival at the 16th century castle.
The Taoiseach and Mr Bush warmly shook hands and posed for photographers.
Mr Ahern has attracted criticism from political opponents for allowing the meeting to go ahead in Ireland following the conflict in Iraq.
At least 4,000 garda officers were on duty outside the castle walls where Mr Bush is to spend the night in the presidential suite before holding several meetings tomorrow morning.
The EU-US summit is due to discuss problems in Iraq, Afghanistan and Sudan as well as the Middle East peace process and the global fight against HIV/Aids.
Mr Bush will only spend 18 hours in Ireland before jetting off to attend a UN summit in Turkey tomorrow afternoon.
But four naval ships, Air Corp planes and specialist decontamination and bomb disposal teams will be on high alert to guard against a possible chemical or biological attack throughout the visit.
Up to 700 armed US Secret Service personnel have also accompanied Mr Bush on the trip and will be allowed to open fire during the visit if they believe they or the President is at risk.
Police, with water cannons on standby, have also made plans to deal with any trouble from thousands of expected anti-war demonstrators.
About 1,200 protesters were held back half-a-mile from the perimeter of Shannon Airport tonight as the president’s plane touched down.
Protesters from the Stop Bush Campaign made their way to the security cordon as separate demonstrations against the visit were also held in Dublin, Waterford, Galway, Tralee and Sligo to coincide with the president’s arrival.
