On October 3rd 1975 republicans, Eddie Gallagher and Marion Coyle, abducted and kidnapped a Dutch businessman, Dr. Tiede Herrema, from near his home in Castletroy, Co. Limerick.

After 18 days, the kidnappers were traced to a council house in Monasterevin, Co. Kildare. After a further 17-day siege, the kidnappers gave themselves up, releasing Dr Herrema essentially unharmed.

Following psychiatric advice, immediately following his release, Dr Herrema recorded his experiences in a private diary which has remained shut until now. Tiede Herrema opens his diary for the first time to Alan Torney, and tells the full story of his abduction with his wife Elizabeth.

The kidnappers demanded the release of three Republican prisoners, including the mother of Gallagher's child, English heiress, Rose Dugdale. Herrema was MD of Ferenka - an industrial plant which employed 1,200 in Limerick. His choice for the kidnapping reflected the kidnappers' intention to place pressure on the Government by threatening foreign investment in Ireland.

The release was part of a negotiated deal with senior gardai that would ensure Gallagher would get no more than four years in prison, and Coyle two. In the event, they were given sentences of 20 and 15 years respectively - sentences that Herrema has consistently protested.

Compiled by: Alan Torney

Production supervision: Peter Woods

First broadcast 11th December 2005

An Irish radio documentary from RTÉ Radio 1, Ireland - Documentary on One - the home of Irish radio documentaries