McDowell calls for release of Ryan brothers

The Minister for Justice has said that he hopes the Ryan brothers, who were abducted in Limerick at the weekend, are alive.

Speaking this afternoon, Minister Michael McDowell said he hoped the people holding the Ryan brothers realised how insane and cruel their actions were.

Mr McDowell wants the safe return of the two brothers.

Army personnel and gardai are continuing their search this afternoon for 20-year-old Eddie and 19-year-old Kieran Ryan.

Mr. McDowell added: "Whatever grievance people may have with one another, there is never any circumstances in which it is legitimate to imprison somebody else and to torture their family in the way that's been done."