This Article is From May 17, 2011

Bomb found in Ireland ahead of Queen's visit

Bomb found in Ireland ahead of Queen's visit
Dublin: Police and Army officials say they found a bomb on a bus on Tuesday, hours before Queen Elizabeth II was due to arrive in Dublin.

The device was found in the luggage compartment of a bus west of Dublin, officials said.

The bomb, found late on Monday night, was declared safe early Tuesday morning after a controlled explosion by bomb disposal experts. The shrapnel were given to the police for testing and investigation.

Bomb experts also examined at least one other suspicious object discovered on Tuesday but police concluded the small device was a hoax and did not pose a threat to public safety.

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny said the threat from dissidents is minimal because of the police's extensive security arrangements.

"They've put in place a comprehensive security operation. You'll recall we've had American presidents here before, a pope," he said. "So obviously while there have been incidents, the Gardai (police) have been able to deal with those."

Some 8,500 cops are lining the sections of Dublin where the queen and her husband Prince Philip plan to visit. She is coming to Ireland for a four-day visit.

She will be the first monarch to visit the Republic of Ireland since it gained independence in 1921.

Her visit has prompted complaints and protests from dissident groups.

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