Show the Papal Nuncio we mean business

THE publication of the investigation into the diocese of Cloyne demonstrates once again that the Holy See, whose diplomatic relations with Ireland have been in place for 82 years, obstinately refuses to provide substantive information and support to a State commission of inquiry into the clerical sex abuse of children.

Has the time therefore come for Ireland to abandon the courtesy of The Papal Nuncio being the Dean of the Diplomatic Corp? While this is largely a ceremonial role it does confer an order of precedence on the holder, a distinguished honour that is now wholly incongruous with the evidence of the unfriendly stubbornness that has emerged in this report, and others, and the crucifying burden that victims of sex abuse must endure for the long-term as a consequence.

A change of diplomatic practice might signal, however modestly and discretely, that this Government really does mean business and, when requests for support and cooperation are treated with such casual indifference, there is a price to pay.