RTÉ learning some valuable lessons

AS RTÉ eventually appears to be learning lessons about what they see as their right to publish what they like about a citizen, they are still using the oldest trick used by the media – “an anonymous source” or “a reliable source” or “other sources” — to justify their allegations of child sex abuse against Br Dillon now deceased in South Africa.

According to the Irish Examiner of November 23, a spokesperson for RTÉ said that “a number of other former pupils of Br Dillon now living in other countries have, independently of each other and voluntarily, made allegations of suffering abuse by Br Dillon” and that these accounts were “corroborated by others”. Yet, the alleged abused person featured in the disgraced Prime Time Investigates programme has apparently declined to even meet the Christian Brothers to discuss his alleged abuse.

Thankfully, this government has had the courage to instigate an independent enquiry into the Fr Kevin Reynolds case.

This is an example of where it is necessary for the state to have the power to direct an independent investigation.

The same power of investigation is necessary for the non-state media where some individuals set themselves up as judge, jury and executioner of priests against whom allegations of child sex abuse are made but not proven in court. These particular journalists do not need hard evidence, rather un-named “sources” will suffice for their trial by media. Whilst child abusers must face the rigours of the law, those innocent of allegations against them must begin to have the courage to challenge the media. Unfortunately, priests are good prey because their church has mishandled the scandal of abuse, creating an environment where it can be difficult for a priest to prove that an allegation is false. Fr Reynolds only proved his innocence because he could use medical science to do so. Would he have been believed otherwise?

Would RTÉ now be in the dock for its abuse of process and of position?

Matt Moran

Waterfall

Cork