Man of the cloth falls back on a technicality

CARDINAL Seán Brady denies any wrongdoing in the sex abuse case of Fr Brendan Smyth because he was not “the designated person responsible for contacting the statutory bodies”.

We all have “a duty of care” in organisations and this is not contingent on seniority. How much more is that obligation to children – and in a church?

Hiding behind a legal technicality does not sit well for a man of the cloth and adds to the public’s lack of faith in the Catholic hierarchy in Ireland. Out of respect for the victims it would be more honourable for Brady to resign.