Taoiseach's jet struck by lighting

The Government jet carrying Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and his officials was struck by lightning today as it approached Belfast City…

The Government jet carrying Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and his officials was struck by lightning today as it approached Belfast City Airport.

A Government spokesman confirmed the Gulfstream jet was struck by lightning but said the plan had landed safely.

“The Taoiseach is okay and everyone on board is okay,” he said. “The crew is just carrying out an assessment now.”

Mr Ahern is in Belfast to mark today’s 10th anniversary of the signing of the Belfast Agreement.

Mr Ahern laughed off the lightning strike incident after taking part in an event marking the tenth anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

The Taoiseach said: "I just want to thank the crew.

"They did a good job."

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