Taoiseach defends Saudi trade mission

THE Taoiseach has defended criticism of his visit to Saudi Arabia saying the country is making political and social reforms.

Mr Ahern met Saudi King Abdullah on Tuesday. The Greens’ John Gormley said Mr Ahern should have put human rights abuses top of his agenda.

“Saudi Arabia is a hugely repressive society, does not permit political parties or unions, treats women as second class citizens, carries out floggings and executions and does not tolerate political dissent. Our Government is prepared to remain publicly silent on these matters for commercial advantage.”