Soldier home to meet baby

A soldier cradled his eight-week-old baby daughter for the first time when he touched down at Dublin Airport after serving in war-torn Chad.

Private Robbie McMahon's softer side showed as he ran to catch a glimpse of little Robyn."She's beautiful," said the 21-year-old soldier, from Ballymun."I couldn't wait to see her. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do."

Girlfriend Amy McHugh said: "He will be a great dad."

Loud cheers and tears of joy filled the arrivals hall as the 186 troops -- the final batch of Irish peacekeeping personnel to serve in the troubled African state -- arrived back on home soil.

Spanish hotel mum in court

A British woman arrested after her two young children were found dead in a Spanish hotel room was due to appear in court today.

The bodies of Rebecca Smith, (5), and her brother Daniel (11 months) were discovered in the Costa Brava resort of Lloret de Mar on Tuesday.

Their mother, Lianne Smith (43) was arrested by Spanish police the same day in connection with the deaths and will appear before a judge in nearby Blanes this morning.

Lohan arrest warrant recall

An arrest warrant for Lindsay Lohan has been recalled by a US judge, hours after it was issued.

Los Angeles Superior Court spokesman Allan Parachini said a $100,000 bond was posted for Lohan, and the warrant was recalled.

The bond was ordered as a judge sought to make sure Lohan (23) shows up for her next court date. The actress missed a hearing for a progress report on her probation, stemming from two arrests in 2007.

Vole upstages Obama speech

President Barack Obama was upstaged by a rodent as he spoke on Wall Street legislation in the Rose Garden of the white House.

He had just started speaking to reporters when the animal dashed out of the bushes to his right,

It was not clear if Obama could even see the animal -- thought to be a vole -- but he didn't show any reaction.