Government to blame for Laffoy crisis

RESPONSIBILITY for the resignation of Ms Justice Mary Laffoy lies squarely at the Government’s door but the Church also stands accused of bogging down the commission investigating child abuse by members of religious orders.

Regrettably, as the Coalition blunders into yet another major political crisis of its own making, fears are growing that the important work of the Laffoy Commission has been scuppered.

Not for the first time, Education Minister Noel Dempsey finds himself at the centre of an embarrassing and self-inspired political debacle. Once again, serious questions have to be asked about the minister’s judgment and his handling of difficult and sensitive issues.