Whistleblowers’ rights - Balance not yet struck correctly

The death of Mary Raftery is a reminder of the power of truth to bring about change.

Her work in unlocking the secrets of state and religious institutions forced this country to confront terrible wrongs, try to make amends and build safeguards against further abuses.

One of her achievements was to empower ordinary people to challenge the forces that hurt, controlled and silenced them. Victims, and those who witnessed their suffering but feared to intervene, were finally given the strength to stand up and speak out.