Dublin's Archbishop Martin pressed to identify 'strong forces' opposed to candor on abuse
May 14, 2010
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin is facing public pressure to identify the "strong forces" that he said were resisting efforts to disclose the full truth about sexual abuse.
Bishop William Murphy of Kerry said that he agreed with much of what Archbishop Martin had said in a provocative speech earlier this week. "However, I would like clarification on the expression 'strong forces,'" he said.
Irish justice minister Dermot Ahern echoed that call. He added that he would take any effort to conceal the truth "very seriously." Writing in The Independent, Catholic columnist David Quinn noted that some journalists were assuming-- rightly or wrongly-- that Archbishop Martin was referring to Cardinal Sean Brady of Armagh when he spoke of the "forces" opposed to full disclosure. Cardinal Brady has not commented on Archbishop Martin's speech.
Quinn observed that Archbishop Martin also made passing reference in his speech to "worrying signs that despite solid regulations and norms, these are not being followed with the rigor required." Since the archbishop did not explain what he meant by that statement, Quinn pointed out, "the finger of suspicion was pointed everywhere and nowhere."
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Further information:
- Bishop calls for Martin to clarify 'strong forces' claim (Independent)
- David Quinn: Martin should give credit where it's due (Independent)
- Archbishop Martin delivers ‘milestone’ address on future of Church in Ireland (CWN, 5/11)
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