Cameron takes his campaign to Northern Ireland

Conservative leader David Cameron became one of the first people to fly into Northern Ireland as the return of the volcanic ash cloud failed to cancel his campaign plans.

He touched down at Belfast City Airport on his way to a political rally, but only after flights were disrupted when winds blew debris from the infamous Icelandic volcano over Irish air space.

Mr Cameron arrived to address candidates standing on a joint Conservative/Ulster Unionist ticket in 17 of Northern Ireland's 18 constituencies.

An expectant crowd of supporters gathered at La Mon House hotel in the city and were relieved to hear that Mr Cameron's pledge to campaign in Northern Ireland had not been grounded.

The Conservative leader is under pressure to address fears that he will impose major public sector cuts in Northern Ireland.

Mr Cameron told Conservative/Ulster Unionist candidates and supporters at the event that if he became prime minister he would bolster the union that binds the UK.

"Our two parties have created a new dynamic force for Northern Ireland. We are not just saying that we are the party of the union, we are showing that we are the party of the union, the party of Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England - with candidates standing in every part of the United Kingdom."

He added: "I will never be neutral on the Union. We passionately believe that England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are stronger together, weaker apart - and the union of our two parties strengthens those bonds."