Archbishop: Absence from press call not due to tensions

THE Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin, has denied his absence from a press conference by the Irish Hierarchy in Rome earlier this week was linked to any tension with his fellow bishops.

Dr Martin insisted his non-attendance at a press briefing by senior clergy following their historic meeting with Pope Benedict to discuss the fallout of the Murphy report was solely due to the fact that he had booked an early flight back to Dublin to attend Ash Wednesday ceremonies.

“My travel plans were made well before any press conference was talked about,” said Dr Martin.