Church and State - Review of clerical role is long overdue

THE row between Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Tánaiste Mary Harney and PD Deputy Liz O’Donnell over the involvement of the Catholic Church in the primary education system has rekindled arguments over the relationship between Church and State in Ireland.

Following Ms O’Donnell’s forthright call to end the Church-State special relationship, sharp differences have emerged in the Coalition.

On one side of the argument, Mr Ahern no doubt had an astute eye on the clerical vote when the Fianna Fáil leader strongly defended the Church’s role in education. On the other side of the battle, PD leader Ms Harney has backed her party colleague, saying she strongly supports many of the sentiments expressed by Ms O’Donnell.