The vice-president of the United States has been criticised for ‘rallying the troops’ at Shannon Airport on Saturday when he met with US military personnel travelling to Iraq.

Last-minute security sweeps are being carried out in Doonbeg Co Clare as the village is locked down while US Vice-President Mike Pence dines with relatives at a local restaurant this evening.

A property development company hit with a €3.48m bill for tax evasion tonight said it was embarrassed by the incident.