Ireland is transformed.
The government is to call in the representatives of the religious orders. Several members of cabinet have spoken as if the government is going to do what Noel Whelan called for on Monday evening : eye-ball the religious orders and tell them their moral duty.
Noel Whelan, lawyer & journalist, spoke as if the clergy had forfeited their privileged position as arbiters of morals, as if they had proved themselves unworthy. He made it seem that the systematic behaviour of the clergy had made them unfit for giving moral leadership.
Last night, I saw a priest from USA describe how the clerical orders were not to be trusted: they would do everything possible to hide their material wealth. He advised us not to trust their word, to tie everything down, and ultimately to confiscate property.
I forget his name. He’s a canon lawyer. Experienced. The Christian Brothers have been hiding their wealth and doing their best to make it impossible for any state to take the property they build up from dues paid by the ‘faithful’.
To hear minister for defence, Willie O’Dea, speak with clarity, promising the government is resolved to act decisively, has impressed me.
I now think we have passed the point of no return. There is a major report on child rape & violence coming. The Dublin area will be exposed.
The public mood, when that comes, will be intolerant of the risk of letting priests and nuns anywhere near children.
