The presidential plane, Air Force One, left Andrews Air Force Base outside the US capital shortly after 7:00 am

Bush was expected to arrive in Belfast at around 7:00 pm (1800 GMT) where he was to attend a working dinner hosted by Blair at the Hillsborough castle just south of Belfast.

In their fourth meeting since the beginning of the year, Bush and Blair were to discuss the Iraq war and the future of the country after the expected fall of President Saddam Hussein, as well as the Middle East and Northern Ireland peace processes.

On Tuesday morning, the two leaders have scheduled a joint 10:45 ampress conference after a morning meeting.

Thousands of anti-war protesters, meanwhile, were expected to demonstrate at Hillsborough Castle, while three bomb alerts were issued across Belfast early Monday.

The first alert, at Belfast's international airport, where Bush's plane is to arrive and was lifted after a search of the site.

Alerts were also issued at Belfast's domestic City Airport and on a main route between the international airport and the town.

SPACE.WIRE