Clerical abuse - Murray and nuncio must be removed

Last week the Irish Examiner called for Bishop Donal Murray of Limerick to resign without delay. His prevarication is effectively undermining the positions of other prominent Church figures.

Bishop Willie Walsh has had an exemplary record in such matters, but his misplaced support of Bishop Murray’s position last week did nothing to enhance his own standing. Bishop Walsh admitted that he underestimated the degree of public anger. Others should recognise it too before they feel the inevitable backlash.

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has tried to provide leadership, but he obviously only has the authority to speak in a guarded manner in which he hints at, rather than specifies, what should be done. The Vatican has called on local bishops in various countries to handle such paedophile matters.