Government urged to help Bigley

The Government should seek support from its Jordanian counterparts to help secure the release of British hostage Ken Bigley, it was claimed today.

Michael D Higgins expressed concern that the issue would slip out of the public eye unless every avenue continued to be explored.

“There is a very great respect for Ireland in the Middle East which puts us in a good position and that should be used,” he said.

“In 1991 when 250 Irish nationals were held captive at a hospital in Baghdad the Jordanian Government was very helpful, we have good relations there and it is important to do everything we can.”

The Galway West TD said there was a great distinction between the British and Irish, Ireland’s political neutrality giving them a great advantage.

“I believe the greatest British failure is its inability to honestly state how many prisoners are being held and where,” he added.

“We must not forget that is the bigger issue which serves as context to all of this.” Ever since Mr Bigley, whose mother is from Dublin, was taken hostage, senior Irish politicians have relayed messages calling for his release.

Taosieach Bertie Ahern, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams and Mr Higgins have all had pleas broadcast on Arab television station al-Jazeera.

Nationalist SDLP MP and Nobel Peace Prize laureate John Hume also made a direct appeal after being approached by the Bigley family.

Newly appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said he hoped Ireland’s efforts would bear fruit.

He said the more people who raised their voices the better, although he said he was not sure the Government could do much more.

Mr Higgins urged him to make contact with the Jordanians, claiming it would be something positive to do in the short term.

“The international media will start turning away,” he added. “Ken Bigley is the son of an Irish citizen, he is entitled to an Irish passport and we must do everything we can.”