A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Peace group gives Garda data on 'extraordinary rendition' flights
EVIDENCE of 20 US civilian planes that allegedly used Shannon airport for "extraordinary rendition" flights will be presented to the Garda today by the Shannonwatch peace and human rights group, writes Lorna Siggins.
Logs of both military and civilian planes said to have been travelling via Shannon to Guantánamo Bay detention centre will also be presented by the group.
Former UN assistant secretary-general Denis Halliday and Amnesty International board member Dr Ray Murphy will outline details of other evidence gathered over the past seven years at a press conference in Shannon this morning.
It says that the evidence “links Shannon airport to human rights abuse and war crimes”.
Cocaine found in 40ft container
Gardaí have seized cocaine with an estimated street valued of €1.2 million following a surveillance operation that led them to a commercial premises in west Dublin.
The drugs, some 17kg, were found in a hold-all bag in a 40ft container in Blanchardstown on Wednesday afternoon.
Gardaí believe the drugs had just entered the State, and had been driven in the container to the premises where they were found.
No arrests were made.
A forensic examination is continuing of the bag and the container.
Two men rescued on Lough Derg
Two men were rescued on Lough Derg yesterday after their boat suffered engine failure, leaving them drifting dangerously in strengthening northwesterly winds.
The pair were located and rescued in less than half an hour, however, as local Irish Coast Guard volunteers and the crew of the Shannon Coast Guard helicopter had coincidentally been taking part in the local St Patrick's Day parade. The two Polish men had been on the lake in a 24ft Sea Ray cruise-boat when they got into difficulty. One of the men managed to contact rescue services by mobile phone.
Man in court over Belfast knife attack
A man appeared in court yesterday accused of trying to kill prominent republican Bobby Tohill during a west Belfast knife attack.
Thomas Valliday (57), of Clonard Place, Belfast, faces a charge of attempted murder and two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent over the alleged multiple stabbing on Tuesday night. Four people were injured during the incident. Mr Valliday was released on bail. He is due to appear again before the court next week.