Hurricane Isabel pushed its way up the US eastern seaboard, weakening from 100 mph winds to a tropical storm but not before swamping roads and knocking out power to more than 2.5 million people.

Hurricane Isabel ploughed into the US east coast with 100 mph winds causing at least three deaths and knocking out power to more than 2.5 million people.

A Co Meath-based businessman has paid €1800 to the department of defence to cover the cost incurred by the Tanaiste's controversial flight to open an off-licence in Co Leitrim in December.