Ahern plane struck by lightning

Mr Ahern told a news conference he will resign in May

The plane carrying Bertie Ahern to Good Friday Agreement anniversary celebrations in Belfast was hit by lightning, it has emerged.

The Gulf Stream jet, with 11 others on board, was struck by lightning on its final approach to Belfast City Airport on Thursday afternoon.

An Irish government said the plane landed safely after what he described as "a huge flash".

Nobody was injured. The aircraft is being examined.

It is thought this may be Mr Ahern's last visit to Northern Ireland as taoiseach.

He announced last Wednesday he was stepping down amid on-going inquiries about his finances at a tribunal into planning corruption.