A referendum to reverse the Supreme Court ruling allowing suicidal women to have abortions would give Irish people “the chance to re-establish what they wished for,” according to Catholic bishops.

DESIGNED as territories of spiritual and temporal control, Ireland’s diocesan structures date from the Synod of Kells in 1152. The bishop was a spiritual ‘capo’ and a lord who ruled.

The Taoiseach is indicating that the Government may re-open negotiations with the Catholic Church over the child abuse compensation scheme.

A senior aide to Ireland’s top Catholic churchman today insisted that religious orders must pay more compensation to the victims of abuse in their institutions.

Cardinal Sean Brady today led a delegation of prominent clergymen to Israel.