Bush cancels refuelling stopover in Shannon

A major security operation was stood down in Shannon Airport this afternoon after a refuelling stopover by US President George Bush was called off.

Mr Bush's Air Force One was due to refuel shortly before 5pm on his return to Washington from a five-day visit to Europe. It is believed anti-war protesters were planning to hold a rally at the same time.

More than 100 gardaí had been positioned at the perimeter of the Co Clare airport ahead of the planned stopover.

The officers were drafted in to secure the airport and to assist airport police in what was described as a major operation.

A spokeswoman for the airport confirmed Air Force One had cancelled the refuelling stop and would fly directly from Georgia. "They're just going to keep going," she said.

During his visit Mr Bush visited the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, and VE-Day commemorations in Russia to mark the end of the Second World War.