Family praises Sinnott's understanding

The family of the Irish Columban priest, Fr Michael Sinnott, have said they are not surprised that he showed no bitterness towards his kidnappers.

Watch Fr Sinnott speak at a press conference following his release

Watch Margaret Ward's full interview with Fr Sinnott

Earlier, the 79-year-old Wexford-born missionary said that his captors had treated him well and had assured him that his life was not in danger.

He also said he would like to continue his work in the Philippines.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio, Fr Sinnott's niece, Áine O'Meara, said he had dedicated his life to the country.

Fr Sinnott has expressed his gratitude to everyone who helped to secure his safe release.

The Columban Mission Society said the priest was handed over to the insurgent group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which in turn handed him over to government forces.

He had been abducted outside his home in the city of Pagadian on 11 October.

Irish Ambassador to Singapore Richard O'Brien had worked with local church and government officials to negotiate his release from a splinter group of the insurgent group.

In a press conference last night, Fr Sinnott said he had been well treated while in captivity.

'They treated me very well,' he said. 'Conditions were very primitive but [the kidnappers] did their best to make things as easy as possible for me.'

Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin said that he was delighted and relieved to relay the news that Fr Sinnott has been freed.

Watch the interview

He said the release represented a successful conclusion of a major diplomatic effort by the Irish and Philippine governments.

'As in previous kidnaps, no ransom was paid by the Irish Government,' Minister Martin said.

His release has been welcomed by President Mary McAleese, Taoiseach Brian Cowen and by the Catholic Church here.

Mr Cowen said: 'I am delighted to learn that Fr Michael Sinnott has been freed.

'We are all relieved and thankful that Fr Michael's difficult ordeal has been brought to an end and that all our prayers have been answered.

'I want to commend the government of the Philippines and our Ambassador Richard O'Brien, and our officials who have
all worked with great commitment and resolve to bring about Fr Michael's release.'

President McAleese also expressed her delight and relief at the news of the release of Fr Sinnott.

'This is wonderful news,' she said. 'He is clearly a man of great resilience, strength and courage and we wish him well as he seeks to recover from such a trying ordeal.'

The head of the Columban Missionary in the Philippines, Fr Patrick O'Donoghue, said they were thrilled with the news of the release.

He said they were very joyful, delighted and grateful for everything that people have done to make sure that this came about peacefully.

Fr O'Donoghue said he was hoping to speak to Fr Sinnott soon, but he believes he is well and that is all that matters.

There were moments in this when the anguish was quite terrible because they were getting reports that things were not good, he said, but God has been very good.

Fr O'Donoghue said he would like very much to thank the people of Ireland and all over the world who have been praying non stop for Fr Sinnott's safe release and their prayers have been answered.