The turkey has landed: US Secretary of Health has just arrived in Cork

Top Bush official arrives amid high security

Bush minister has just landed in Cork within the past few minutes

Tommy Thompson, the US Secretary of Health, is currently parking at Stand 7 at Cork Airport. His plane was followed into the airport by Air Corp P254. A chopper hovers nearby. Gardai are on high security alert throughout the area.

Mr Thompson, who is speaking at an EU ministerial conference in the city at 9am in the morning (and giving a press briefing at 10.30am), is accompanied by a 51-strong entourage including bodyguards. Call sign of his plane is 924D.

His next stop is almost certainly the Hayfield Manor Hotel on College Road, which has been encircled by a security cordon all day.

The Rochestown Park Hotel is also being emptied of its patrons and will be completely closed to the public tomorrow. Gardai are also sealing off much of the Rochestown Road.

Tommy Thompson is a leading neo-conservative in the Bush cabinet and took part in the decision to occupy Iraq. His hands are steeped in the blood of thousands of Iraqi men, women and children.

The Cork Anti-War Campaign and Anti-War Ireland are picketing this warmonger from 8am, tomorrow morning. Assemble at the Rochestown Park Hotel. All welcome!

Care/act.