Resignation culture - Time to set standards

FRANZ JOSEF JUNG an ally of Chancellor Angela Merkel resigned from the German cabinet yesterday amid allegations of a cover-up of an air strike that killed civilians in Afghanistan when he was defence minister.

His decision highlights once again how our civic and political cultures are so out of step with what is considered normal practice elsewhere.

Resigning on a point of principle is almost an alien concept amongst our political, business and religious leaders. Figures in authority only seem to resign if they have no option; they jump before they are pushed.

This week the Dublin abuse report affords a number of senior churchmen an opportunity to set new standards in this regard. They should do so.