Media lynch mob going all out for blood — not balance

THE recent RTÉ Prime Time programme raised emotions sufficiently high to trigger off a lynch mob. Some commentators developed instant ‘hanging fever.’

Luckily, RTÉ is not a law court. Prime Time's presentation failed to spell out clearly that its drama covered 40 years and four archbishops. Over that time, 1,200 priests served in the diocese and complaints about 35 were received. Fifty-two claims for compensation have been lodged to date not 450 as asserted.

The Church mishandled the child sex abuse issue badly, as did swimming clubs and most others who encountered it. It was paralysed by professionals. Doctors said priests were cured and safe to minister. Lawyers advised against approaching alleged victims so as not to compromise legal proceedings. The professional advice was wrong.