Cut ties with Vatican, says former ministerial adviser

CUTTING diplomatic representation to Rome and withdrawing a ceremonial title from the papal nuncio would send a signal to the Vatican that Ireland is angry at its failure to protect children, according to a former ministerial adviser.

Jerry O’Connor, former special adviser at the Department of Foreign Affairs, said one measure would be the withdrawal of the ceremonial title “Dean of the Diplomatic Corps”, automatically conferred on the papal nuncio. The dean is the ceremonial head of the corps and is recognised on state occasions.

“Removing the automatic entitlement and placing it on a rotational basis would send an immediate message of Irish anger. In opposition, the Labour Party raised this issue. It remains to be seen whether they will take this step while in Government,” Mr O’Connor said.