Iraqi Olympic team arrives in Ireland

The Iraqi Special Olympics team arrived in Belfast last night after being transported from their home country in Irish businessman Denis O'Brien's private jet.

Speaking on arrival, the delegation said it was overwhelmed by the generosity of the Irish people.

Eight Iraqi athletes are due to compete in the Special Olympics over the coming two weeks.

Their participation was thrown in doubt by the recent invasion of their country, but Mr O'Brien, who is also chairman of the Special Olympics committee, agreed to make his private jet available to transport the team to Ireland.

The Iraqi delegation will be based in Larne, Co Antrim.