Value of celibacy is an issue which must be looked at in context

THE news that Clonfert priest Fr Mossie Dillane fathered a child has “reignited the debate over celibacy” according to one of last weekend’s newspapers.

Now that is news to me. I wasn't aware we ever had such a debate. We've had phone polls, yes. Criticism of the Church's refusal to allow married priests, yes. Spurious links between priestly celibacy and child sexual abuse certainly.

But a debate? An actual exchange of views, in which all sides of the argument are heard? Not a chance.