Tanaiste vows to bring Rob home

Supporters urge release of ill engineer jailed in Iraq

- SEAN MURPHY

TANAISTE Simon Harris has vowed to continue efforts for Iraq "hostage" Robert Pether until he is released.

The campaign intensification is also being cranked up with TD Claire Kerrane declaring that it is time "to end this terror for Robert and his family".

Former senator Eugene Murphy amplified calls for Rob to be freed and pledged that he is ready to travel to Baghdad to push for that.

Australia's foreign affairs minister Penny Wong and America's special presidential envoy for hostage affairs have also demanded his freedom.

Construction engineer Rob, 49, who is married to Desree Pether, 53, from Roscommon, has been locked up since April 2021.