Irish aid ship calls on UN to ensure safe passage

The Irish aid boat the MV Rachel Corrie has called on the UN to help ensure its safe passage to Gaza after Monday's deadly Israeli raid on a flotilla of six ships.

The 15 crew on board the boat continue to insist their aim is not provocation but getting aid cargo into Gaza.

Former UN assistant secretary general Denis Halliday, who is on board, is calling on the UN to send a representative to inspect the cargo and escort the ship into Gaza.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen warned the Israeli military earlier this week of "the most serious consequences" if any of the five Irish citizens on board are injured.