Laffoy letter a political time bomb for Dempsey

JUSTICE Mary Laffoy’s resignation letter yesterday developed into a political time bomb for Education Minister Noel Dempsey.

The minister's refusal to publish the letter from the chairperson of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse was roundly condemned by the opposition, which portrayed it as a stalling tactic designed to buy time for the minister to deal with the crisis.

Increasingly last night, the Minister's future was seen as hinging on the contents of the letter. If Ms Justice Laffoy is seen to be highly critical of his role in the affair, it could seriously undermine his authority and his future as a minister.