Dr Tiede Herrema and his wife Elizabeth granted honorary citizenship at a ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin.
While travelling to work in Castletroy on 3 October 1975 Dutch industrialist Dr Tiede Herrema was abducted by the IRA (Irish Republican Army) and held hostage. A massive security campaign was launched to find him.
The kidnapped victim was located in a house in Monasterevin, County Kildare with his captors Eddie Gallagher and Marion Coyle. Security forces surrounded the house and a siege began. Tiede Herrema was not released until 7 November.
Dr Tiede Herrema and his wife Elizabeth arrive at Áras an Uachtaráin with three of their four sons.
Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave and Fianna Fáil leader Jack Lynch are present, as are Minister for Justice Patrick Cooney and Dutch Ambassador to Ireland Felix Van Raalte and his wife.
This is the second time honorary citizenship has been conferred (the first recipient being Sir Alfred Chester Beatty). It is the first time such an honor has been granted to a husband and wife.
In his address President Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh states how the name of Herrema has come to have the same meaning as,
The tenacity, fortitude and tenacity of two very special people.
Aware of the gravity of the situation during his captivity, Dr Tiede Herrema expressed his admiration for
The strength of purpose and good judgement of the Irish government.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 11 December 1975. A section of this report is mute.
