Labour hit out at circumstances of Saddam’s execution

The Labour Party said today that questions remain over the conduct of Saddam Hussein's trial and execution.

The party's foreign affairs spokesperson has condemned the broadcast of images of the former dictator before his execution.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is reiterating Ireland's opposition to the death penalty.

Labour's Michael D Higgins said it would have better if Saddam was tried in accordance with international law.

“I think that the consequences for Iraq will be terrible, I think that it was an appalling stage execution,” he said.

“Saddam Hussein was a brutal dictator, he is no doubt responsible for some brutal crimes against his own people - but there are serious question marks over the process by which he was tried, and indeed over his execution,” he said.