Madam, - It is understandable that the Ferns Report would be a big news item.
However, the continuous coverage on RTÉ is quite appalling, particularly Liveline. The producer of this programme had obviously got in touch with a priest from Cork. This priest had been on RTÉ the previous week explaining how he would defy church teaching by giving communion to those who were living in sin.
One would think that it would be priests who are expected to abide by, and preach, church teaching, who would have the most appropriate response. After all, the only way abuse can be stamped out is when priests, and others, abide by church teaching.
The question is, what are the staff at RTÉ really after here: is it to change church teaching? For there seems to be greater interest in church bashing than in child abuse. - Yours, etc,
COLM CALLANAN, National Organiser, Christian Solidarity Party, North Frederick Street, Dublin 1.