A special Secret Service mission ordered by John F Kennedy involved a search for a precious heirloom from the old family homestead in Bruff, it was recalled yesterday in the Co Limerick town.

ABC News last night said there is no truth to a report that Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis believed then US vice-president Lyndon Johnson was involved in the assassination of her husband, President John F Kennedy.

Senator Edward Kennedy was taken to hospital in the US today after suffering a seizure at his home, his spokeswoman said.