The controversial weapon on a US military plane that passed through Shannon Airport last month in breach of landing conditions, appears to have been a powerful, side-mounted 30mm cannon.

THE Pentagon yesterday proposed shutting about 180 military installations from Maine to Hawaii, including 33 major bases, triggering the first round of base closures in a decade and an intense struggle by communities to save their facilities.

A YOUNG Irishman working for the US Air Force died suddenly while playing sports last weekend.