Brady must resign: Boland

The clerical sexual abuse survivor at the centre of the week-long controversy over Cardinal Seán Brady has said there will be “no healing” until the senior cleric resigns as Catholic Primate of All-Ireland.

Last night, Brendan Boland said Dr Brady’s failure to warn parents of children at risk of sexual assault by notorious paedophile Fr Brendan Smyth in 1975 means he can no longer stay in his role.

Responding to a public apology by Cardinal Brady, the 51-year-old — who was just 14 when he was attacked — thanked the cardinal for the apology.

However, while saying he hoped to one day find the strength to accept Cardinal Brady’s offer of a face-to-face meeting, Mr Boland insisted Cardinal Brady must step down.

“While a public apology was previously refused, I am delighted that the cardinal has relented,” said Mr Boland.

“I know that my healing... will not begin while Cardinal Brady remains as Primate of the Catholic Church in Ireland.”

The furore emerged after a BBC documentary last week revealed that, in 1975, the then-Fr Brady had been told by Mr Boland of his abuse by Smyth, and that of others.

Cardinal Brady told his bishop, but did not inform the police or the parents of victims of the abuse taking place, meaning more children were put at risk.