GET THE BELFAST TELEGRAPH NEWSPAPER DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR EVERY DAY

Belfast Telegraph

  • nijobfinder
  • nicarfinder
  • propertynews.com
  • Classified

Ransom fears over abducted Irish priest

Monday, 26 October 2009

Irish government officials are concerned that any release of an Irish priest abducted by suspected Muslim extremists could be jeopardised by claims that a ransom was paid for the safe return of aid worker Sharon Commins.

It was reported over the weekend that €100,000 was spent by the Sudanese government on costs associated with freeing the kidnapped Goal worker and her Ugandan colleague Hilda Kawuki.

Goal and the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs have strongly denied a ransom was paid. However, the department would not comment on the claims that the Sudanese spent €100,000 on costs such as staff, cars and petrol.

There is concern in official circles that the idea the Irish government paid, or agreed with another state paying, a ransom could have a disastrous effect on efforts to free Fr Michael Sinnott, the 79-year-old Columban Missionary held captive in the Philippines.

Post a comment

Limit: 500 characters

View all comments that have been posted about this article

Comment
Your details

* Required field

Offensive or abusive comments will be removed and your IP address logged and may be used to prevent further submissions. In submitting a comment to the site, you agree to be bound by BelfastTelegraph.co.uk's Terms of Use.

Posts submitted in UPPERCASE letters will be rejected.

In Pictures: Rio Carnival 2010

In Pictures: Rio Carnival 2010

In Pictures: Northern Ireland Nightlife

Had a big night out? Click here to send us your pics

In Pictures: The Troubles

Columnist Comments

eric_waugh

Horse first, then cart ... it’s time nationalists got real about unity

No political regime likes uncertainty. Talk of unexpected elections makes politicians twitchy. Meal tickets can be put at risk.

In Pictures: All Our Yesterdays

In Pictures: The Giant's Causeway

Day out at the Giant's Causeway, Antrim

You know you're from Belfast when . .

In Pictures: You know you're from Belfast when...

Belfast-isms: 'Yous should click here - it's class like'

Fashion & Showbiz Gallery

Northern Ireland Fashion

Tallulah Love at Paris lingerie show

TeleToons

TeleToons: Cartoons by Stevie Lee

Click here for audio version