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A GROUP of tradesmen who were held hostage in Iraq have told how they initially didnt think they were in danger because they were used to a military presence living in Northern Ireland.

In 1990, the painters and decorators travelled to Baghdad with construction company Mivan to work on one of Saddam Husseins palaces, a job that was expected to last just a few weeks.

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But when Iraq invaded neighbouring Kuwait, they found themselves at the centre of an international crisis.

Even worse, they were stranded at the mercy of the evil dictator who used them as pawns in his dealings with the Margaret Thatcher-led UK government.

While Hussein referred to them and thousands of other foreign nationals as his guests and heroes of peace, they remained trapped in Iraq for almost five months.

Now, 30 years after they were dramatically released, their story is being told in a new BBC documentary, True North: Belfast to Baghdad.

Iraq was an attractive country for construction work at the time, and the men had no qualms about travelling there.

Engineer Michael Sands recalled how he had absolutely no concern at all about the job in Iraq.

He explained: Wed all lived through the Troubles.

I was ten in 1969 so I was well used to the Troubles and a militarised country so it didnt have a bearing on my decision to go.

Following Iraqs invasion of Kuwait, family back home were terrified for their safety, but the men didnt realise the seriousness as they only had access to Iraqs heavily controlled media.

Michael ONeill recalled: On the newspapers it was that Kuwait had a revolution and they were there to help, which was lies.

As a US-led coalition prepared for war, the men suddenly stopped getting paid and were forced to move from their hotel to staff houses.

They stopped working in protest, but were then warned that they wouldnt receive exit visas.

Over time, hostages from other countries were allowed home, but due to the UKs strong stance against Iraq, anyone from Britain or NI remained trapped.

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Hussein finally agreed to let them go after five months, fearing the consequences if any foreign citizens were killed on Iraqi soil during the war.

Painter Paul McCabe recalled: Iraq was a lovely country. I know Saddam was a tyrant but it was still a lovely country and the people were great.

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Irish tradesmen recall being held hostage in Iraq after travelling to work on one of Saddam Husseins pa - The Irish Sun