Cloyne abuse reports - Message is undermined

THERE are remarkable parallels between our banking crisis and the scandal surrounding allegations of child sex abuse in the Diocese of Cloyne.

In both instances it was a failure of regulation; in both instances powerful institutions put their own needs before the needs of those in their power. In both instances the institutions refused to acknowledge that times, cultures and standards have changed. In both instances wrongdoers were protected. In both instances there was a dereliction of duty. In both instances there are innocent victims.

Continuing this analogy, in his Christmas message issued yesterday, Cardinal Seán Brady called on us to “recapitalise our families, our local community and our society with concern for one another and with love”.

Cardinal Brady is no doubt sincere when he calls for a rejuvenation of family and community but his silence on the refusal of Bishop John Magee to resign over his mishandling of the Cloyne abuse allegations undermines the welcome his Christmas message can receive.