Priests criticise RTÉ for going ahead with Reynolds broadcast

THE Association of Catholic Priests has called on RTÉ to explain why it proceeded with a defamatory broadcast against Galway-based priest Fr Kevin Reynolds despite the priest’s constant denials of sexual abuse.

ACP spokesperson Fr Seán McDonagh yesterday criticised the station’s failure to operate normal editorial controls in the making of the programme.

RTÉ agreed to pay an undisclosed amount — believed to be in excess of €1m — in compensation to Fr Reynolds on Thursday in settlement of a High Court action for defamation.