Saudi victim's family 'haunted' by tragedy

THE family of an Irish engineer shot dead in Saudi Arabia said last night that the tragedy would haunt them for the rest of their lives.

The sister of 59-year-old Anthony Christopher Higgins said relatives did not know when his body would be returned home to Galway, although the family has been in contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Irish Embassy in Riyadh.

Mr Higgins was working in the Saudi capital when two gunmen burst into his office and shot him dead on Tuesday.

Well-known poet Rita Ann Higgins said her brother had worked in the Saudi engineering and construction industry for more than 25 years.

"This is a tragedy that will haunt us for the rest of our lives," Ms Higgins said. "We ask you on behalf of Tony's wife Joan and family to allow us the dignity to grieve in private."

Mr Higgins, who was working for a Saudi-owned construction company called Rocky for Trade and Construction, was due to return to Ireland in three weeks.

Foreign Affairs Minister Brian Cowen condemned the murder. "A cold-blooded attack of this sort, on a civilian worker such as Mr Higgins, is repugnant and shocking and will be perceived so internationally. I expect the Saudi authorities will do everything in their power to bring his killers to justice," Mr Cowen said.

Mr Higgins grew up in Ballybrit in Galway City before moving to the suburb of Mervue.

He was part of a well-known Galway family: his brother Joe is the chairman of Galway Airport and another brother, Mairtín, is manager of Mervue United soccer team.

Galway Labour TD Michael D Higgins expressed his sympathy to the family. He said it was sad that an Irish passport, which had so many associations with the work of Irish peacekeepers, no longer conferred immunity in the Middle East.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has advised Irish citizens against non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia. It said citizens living there should maintain the highest levels of security.