Al Qaeda discussed trying to convert Irish people to Islam because of their disenchantment with the Catholic Church over the child abuse scandals and also anger over the economic crisis.

The most prominent figure in a US-backed revolt of Sunni sheikhs against al-Qaida in Iraq was killed today by a bomb planted near his home in Anbar province, 10 days after he met with US President George Bush, Iraqi and US officials said.

Iraq’s prime minister today said he expects the US ambassador and military commander to give his government favourable marks when they report to Congress next week and predicted passage of a law soon that could return more Sunnis to government jobs.