The Government spent almost €200,000 last year basing soldiers at Shannon Airport to protect US air force planes travelling to and from war zones from attacks by protesters.

US President Barack Obama told politicians he plans to withdraw most American troops from Iraq by August 2010 but leave tens of thousands behind to advise Iraqi forces and protect US interests, congressional officials said.

US President George Bush has rebuffed recommendations from a growing number of retired generals that he replace Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. “He has my full support,” said Bush.