Kidnappers seek ransom for Irish aid worker

The men who kidnapped Irish aid worker Sharon Commins in Darfur last week are reportedly demanding a ransom for her release.

News agency reports this morning say the kidnappers are negotiating with government officials.

Ms Commins has reportedly managed to telephone officials in Dublin and Darfur and has confirmed that she and her Ugandan colleague are in good health.

The pair, who were working in Darfur with GOAL, were kidnapped by an armed gang last Friday.

A government minister is quoted in this morning's reports as saying the abductions had nothing to do with politics and were an act of banditry.