Call for cardinal's resignation

Cardinal Connell is under pressure to resign

A County Antrim priest has called on all senior clerics involved in what he describes as the mis-handling of sex abuse cases within the Catholic Church to resign.

Father Patrick McCafferty, of St Patrick's parish in Lisburn, said he believes the Archbishop of Dublin, Cardinal Desmond Connell, should follow the lead of the Archbishop of Boston, Cardinal Bernard Law.

Cardinal Law resigned last week following criticism of his handling of clerical sex abuse in his diocese.

Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster on Monday, Father McCafferty accused senior churchmen of showing contempt for the abused.

"These men, like Bernard Law, whoever they are, wherever they are, get out," he said.

State inquiry

"You are not fit to lead the people of God, you are not fit for office.

"Get out, take his example and get out."

Last October, the Irish Government announced a state inquiry into allegations of sex abuse within the Catholic Church and the failure of senior clerics to report such abuse over many decades.

Announcing the inquiry, the Justice Minister, Michael McDowell, said it was right for the government to act and that no-one was above the law.

There have been calls for Cardinal Connell, to resign after a television documentary raised many questions about how the church authorities handled clerical abuse in Ireland, particularly in the Archdiocese of Dublin which is the under the cardinal's control.