Taoiseach urges Bigley's release
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern tonight called for the release of British hostage Kenneth Bigley.
In a statement released to the Arab Al Jazeera TV channel, he said the Government was paying very close attention to the case.
“There is every reason to release him and no justifiable reason for causing him harm. I would appeal to Mr Bigley’s captors to return him safe and sound to his family.”
Mr Ahern described Mr Bigley, whose mother, Lil, was born in Dublin, as an ordinary working man.
“The Irish Ambassador in London has at my request, communicated the sympathy and support of the Irish people at this time to the Bigley family, especially in the context of the family’s Irish connections.”
Mr Ahern’s intervention followed an interview given to Al Jazeera yesterday by Michael D Higgins.
He called for the release of Mr Bigley on the grounds that he was the son of an Irish citizen and that the Irish stance on the war in Iraq was very different to that of Britain and the United States.
Mr Higgins said tonight he was glad the Taoiseach was following his initiative.
“I welcome the fact a statement has been made. It is the independence of the Irish government’s position that will be of best value to Mr Bigley.”
