Unexploded bomb found at house being built by UUP peer

Gardaí in Co Louth are investigating the discovery of an unexploded bomb at a construction site near the border yesterday afternoon.

The device, which is understood to have contained around 70 pounds of an explosive mixture, was found in a downstairs room at a house being built near Hackballscross.

Gardaí said it would have destroyed the house if it had exploded.

It was made safe yesterday by bomb disposal experts, who later took it away for further examination.

Reports this morning say the house where the bomb was found was being built by businessman Eddie Haughey, also known as Lord Ballyedmond, on land he owns in the Dungooley area.

Mr Haughey represents the Ulster Unionist Party in the British House of Lords and is a former member of the Seanad.

He is the founder of the Newry-based pharmaceutical giant Norbrook Laboratories.