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Dug up from the RTE archives. Michael Woods trying to justify the indemnity deal on September 30, 2003.
Yes Michael, it was done by the people of Ireland, not the religious orders. You gobshite.
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You should have heard him last Saturday on RTE Radio 1 – it was all the Brits fault!
So in 2003 it was ‘the Irish people’ (whoever the hell they are!); in 2009 it’s ‘the British.’
He just can’t bring himself to admit it can he? That it was a criminal system operated by sadists and misfits that thronged the ranks of Irish Religious Orders. A system sanctioned and duly financed by the Irish State and its minions, of which he himself has long been a leading light as the Deng Xiao Ping of Irish politics. Listening to him protest his concern for the ‘victims’ as his political priority rings as hollow these days as the oxymorons ‘Christian’ Brother or Sister of ‘Mercy’. They must be praying for the Good Michael, who saved their bacon with a rotten deal that no-one with an ounce of self respect could stand over.
Veronica — yes — that was jaw-dropping radio. I couldn’t believe he trotted out the old “the Brits made us do it” line. incredible.
didn’t michael woods refuse to acknowledge the states part in incarcerating women for various crimes/including killing their abusive husbands for indefinite sentences, with some bring irreparably institutionalised or dying in jail?
Has any journalist or media outlet inquired into the nature of Michael Woods relationship with the Catholic Church? His recent contributions sugest that it goes beyond even the traditional reflex deference of FF/FG to the clergy. The particular nature of his language, and determination to continue to blame everyone except the Church makes me think that what we have here is a member of one of the lay Catholic organisations( Knights of Columbanus, Opus Dei?) Maybe he has already declared such membership and I’m not aware of it. Has he denied it? Surely it is possible that such a possibility should be investigated? It would certainly cast on new light on the infamous deal, perhaps even change its legal standing as the Minister concerned would not have declared his interest.
Maddy,
You’re right, I think. I remember someone mentioning to me at some stage that he had received some sort of papal knighthood or something in times past, but can’t recall the details of it. But all that means is that in terms of attitude of mind he has a great affection for the Catholic Church – it has no effect at all on the legality of the agreement that was concluded.
I think there was a massive political failure, involving all the main political parties as well as the parties in government, in relation to this deal. They just didn’t want to know until it was way too late.
I’m just surprised they didn’t blame Leiman Brothers!
The abuse was perpetrated by the orders, but society supported the institutions and the role they were supposed to play. The Irish people allowed this to happen.
I found the MP3 — check it out: http://taint.org/2009/05/28/005055a.html
Only the holiest of water can wash away this kind of guilt…
Veronica
You are probably right. My thinking was that if it transpired Woods had some undeclared specific membership of an organisation like the Knights or Opus Dei (as opposed to general allegiance to the Church which is clear) then the fact that it was undeclared, would constitute a conflict of interest. Judges and lawyers are expected to withdraw from cases in such circumstances. Of course these organisations do not have accessible membership lists, and certainly will not make the information readily available to people they would see as enemies of the Church, so it would require very smart journalistic work to ferret it out. I am curious though to know if Woods has ever even been asked and, if so, has he denied it?
Maddy, this article, http://www.independent.ie/national-news/my-faith-helped-to-save-church-abuse-deal-says-woods-495734.html , notes:
‘While Dr Woods said his Catholicism had helped to break the deadlock in the negotiations, he denied he was a member of Opus Dei. He also said he was not a member of the Order of the Knights of St Columbanus or any other lay Catholic organisation.’
Justin
Thanks for that. Glad to see he has been asked at least. It’s an interesting article but surprisingly it does not quote the exact wording of the denial. I wonder why? I’m not being paranoid here, just curious, given that he is quoted directly a number of times in the article. I would have liked to see the form of words he used.
To the extent that a significant number of FF TD’s, including the discredited Bertie Ahern, were schooled by “The Men in Black”, is it not possible that they might want to conceal their own experiences?
FF have endlessly used the legal “Get out of Jail Free Card” – a regular tendency to issue generalised disclaimers viz. “We did nothing illegal” – “It might have been wrong, but…”
How often have we heard these sentiments?
The unholy alliance between de Valera & J.C. McQuaid cemented the culture of concealment and denial.
They say that equity follows the law, but laws can be changed, if there is a will, especially on the part of FF, to so do.
The problem now is that money, not the abuse, has become the root of all this debate – and the State well is empty.
One has only to take a walk through the Vatican Museum to see the vast wealth that they have accumulated – much of it Loot from the sackings of Byzantium by the Crusaders.
“Sell what thou hast and give it to the poor”. How about it, Benedict?
Their well is overflowing.
But how to separate the bogus claim from the genuine.
There are countless “Ambulance Chasers” out there, opportunistic solicitors out for a fast buck, bringing “Class Action” claims.
Maybe Michael Woods would chair a Tribunal of Enquiry – to assess the validity of these Claims – earn his several pensions and his c. €90k per annum on the back bench?
If there is positive proof to validate a cash Claim, pay it and move on.
This business is in danger of becoming another Moriarty; Flood; Morris; Mahon; etc…