Irish religious leaders unite in call for release of BBC journalist

The Catholic Archbishop of Dublin and the chairman of the Irish Council of Imams have issued a joint appeal for the release of journalist Alan Johnston.

Mr Johnston, a BBC correspondent in Gaza, disappeared in the city on March 12.

He is believed to have been kidnapped by militants.

Today's appeal for his release represents the first time that the leader of the largest Muslim community in Ireland and the Catholic Primate have publicly co-operated in this manner.