This is the nearest Bertie Ahern came to making a direct criticism during trade trip to one of the world's most repressive countries, Saudi Arabia.

"More broadly, I am convinced that the principle of mutual respect must underpin all aspects of relations between our two regions, Europe and the Middle East, which are inextricably linked by geography, by history and by millennia of cultural and religious interchange.

"Ireland is a modern and pluralist State. We believe that fundamental human rights are inalienable. At the same time, we accept that it is most effectively through dialogue and co-operation that all States can over time meet the standards to which they have committed themselves as members of the United Nations."

Fearless stuff, ha! I'm sure King Abdullah is quaking in his gold-lined boots.