An expert on rare books has consented to permanent orders restraining him representing himself as the owner or seller of letters sent by former US first lady Jackie Kennedy to an Irish priest, or passing on any copies or extracts from them to third parties.

Caroline Kennedy was just 5 when her father kissed her goodbye and left the US for his visit to Ireland, but she has made that journey in her imagination many times since.

As Ireland said farewell to the Obamas, a Co Limerick town was yesterday making final preparations to welcome the Kennedy clan.

The decision by the daughter of murdered US president John F Kennedy to abandon her bid for a US Senate seat sparked an ugly swirl of accusations today and feverish speculation over whether she jumped or was pushed.