Irish journalist reassured family over Iraq safety

THE father of Guardian journalist Rory Carroll, believed to have been kidnapped in Iraq, last night said his son had played down fears for his safety.

Joe Carroll said his son sought to reassure him in emails that Baghdad was not as dangerous as it had been portrayed in the media.

Mr Carroll told BBC Radio Ulster: “He knew we were worried but he used to reassure us and say that it was not as dangerous as people outside think. He said if you observed basic rules and security you would be OK. We knew he was playing it down for our sake and there was obvious danger.”