Reaction in Ireland to the news that the former President of Iraq Saddam Hussein had been executed.
Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was executed having been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity. A statement from the Irish government said that the Iraqi people had suffered enormous pain and suffering and the focus must now be on healing and reconstruction.
All efforts must be made to help the Iraqi people enjoy a peaceful and stable future.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said that Ireland could not agree with what has happened in Iraq and reiterated the Irish government's opposition to the death penalty in all cases. Ireland was one country among many that signed a United Nation agreement opposing use of capital punishment.
Fine Gael's foreign affairs spokesperson Bernard Allen and Labour's Michael D Higgins both said that the execution of Saddam Hussein would do nothing to lead to lasting peace in Iraq. Michael D Higgins says,
It would have been better if the principles of international law had been respected.
Members of the Iraqi community in Ireland gathered to rejoice the death of the former dictator. At the Shia Centre in Milltown, a group of men gathered for morning prayer but none were mourning the death of Saddam Hussein.
They remembered him as someone who took their loved ones from them.
For Dr Hassan Baker, Director of the Shia Centre, justice has been served. However, Dr Nooh Al Kaddo, Executive Director of the Islamic Cultural Centre, expressed concern over what had happened.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 30 December 2006. The reporter is Kathy Donaghy.
