Irish-born cardinal quits after 'inappropriate behaviour' claim

The Catholic Church in Britain was in turmoil today after its most senior cleric, Cardinal Keith O’Brien, who faces allegations of “inappropriate” behaviour, announced he is stepping down.

The 74-year-old, originally from Ballycastle in Co Antrim, tendered his resignation as Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh in November to Pope Benedict XVI, but said in a statement today: “The Holy Father has now decided that my resignation will take effect today.”