It seemed incredible in 1994 that the cover-up involving the paedophile activities of Fr Brendan Smyth had been going on for 19 years by the time it brought down the government of Albert Reynolds.

CARDINAL Seán Brady has apologised ... he could hardly do any less. However, his apology is far from complete. He accepts only that his actions were “inadequate”. His apology is only offered to “anyone” who has been hurt by “any” failure on his part and those who “feel” let down by him.

THE future of Cardinal Seán Brady as head of the Irish Catholic Church is in doubt amid mounting calls for his resignation after allegations that he was involved in a cover-up of abuse by notorious paedophile priest Fr Brendan Smyth.