A quarter of Cloyne priests say Magee should stay

UP TO a quarter of priests in the Diocese of Cloyne have backed Bishop John Magee and believe he should remain in his position despite the public outcry at his handling of child sex abuse complaints.

A further 20% refused to either back or call for Dr Magee to stand down — while just 3% of those contacted said they believed their boss should stand down.

Many of those called were emphatic in their support for their superior saying, “Absolutely. He must stay on”. Others said he is “a fine man” and an “excellent bishop”.