Priests suspected of child sex abuse over more than three decades were not robustly challenged or properly managed, the watchdog's report into the Derry diocese said.

The Pope has accepted the resignation of Bishop of Derry Seamus Hegarty, who has been forced to step down due to ill health.

Bishop Edward Daly has said he was shocked by the news his successor the Bishop of Derry Dr Seamus Hegarty is to step down for health reasons at the age of 71.

POPE Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of the Bishop of Clogher, Dr Joseph Duffy, who, as Church law dictates, is stepping down having reached the age of 75.

THE Bishop of Kerry, Dr Bill Murphy, said victims of child sexual abuse in his diocese have not had to take oaths of secrecy since he took over in 1995.

The Bishop of Derry has expressed regret at the “disquiet” caused after parish money was paid into a fund for victims of clerical sex abuse without consultation.

Tony Blair is facing demands to investigate claims a top policeman helped shield a Catholic priest accused of being behind one of the IRA’s worst atrocities.