Published: Wednesday, 16th June, 2010 5:00pm

Time for cardinal to resign

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The payment of an out-of-court settlement to abuse survivor, Marie McCormack, by the Catholic Church in Ireland puts increasing pressure on Cardinal Sean Brady to resign.

The Primate of All-Ireland was one of three parties sued by Ms. McCormack who was abused by notorious paedophile, Fr. Brendan Smyth. Co-defendants in the case were the Diocese of Kilmore and the Norbertine Order to which Brendan Smyth belonged.

Although the settlement, believed to be in excess of a quarter of a million Euros, was made without any admission of liability it's difficult for the public not to see it as an acceptance of wrong doing at best, or shush money at worst.

The root of the blame goes back to 1975 when the then Fr. Sean Brady was present at two meetings (one of which took place in the parochial house in Ballyjamesduff) where abuse victims were made to sign oaths of secrecy. The allegations, or the investigation in the abuse claims, were not reported to the Gardaí at the time.

The abuse of Marie McCormack by Fr. Smyth happened subsequent to these incidents.

Cardinal Brady has apologised for the non-report of abuse but commented that his actions in the past should not be judged by the standards of today. He has already considered his position over the issue and decided not to resign.

Indeed The Anglo-Celt initially had given Cardinal Brady its full support asking what his resignation would achieve?

And while he undoubtedly made great strides in the church in recent years, particularly in the area of child protection; this week's settlement, and the results of a poll that showed 76% believed the cardinal should resign his position; mean the time has come for him to go.

A recent poll on The Anglo-Celt website on the issue revealed that 49% said Cardinal Brady should resign; 24% said he should remain; and 27% said they couldn't care less. About 700 people participated in the poll.

For the greater good of the future of the Catholic Church in Ireland, it's difficult to see how Cardinal Brady can remain as its leader. In order for real healing and renewal, a fresh start is needed, a leader with a clean sheet and someone who has, at no point, played any part in protecting child abusers. It's clear now that not reporting abusers such as Fr. Smyth in the past enabled them to continue abusing innocent children. That, we can't ignore.

Regardless of rules or common practices in the church at the time; and bearing in mind the strength of public feeling on the matter; Cardinal Brady would best serve the future of the church at this time by resigning. We reach this conclusion as a matter of great regret.