The TD and the Paedophile
Wednesday, May 14th, 2008
You might remember a recent controversy in Cork (and indeed, nationwide) when an elected representative of the Labour Party found herself at the centre of a scandal because of her apparent support for a convicted paedophile, Trevor Casey, in a case involving her own constituents. This letter was sent at the time and used by radio and newspapers, but I present it here for posterity. Deputy Lynch went on to defend her stance, before issuing an apology, albeit at the behest of Labour leader Eamon Gilmore. The incident served to illustrate the ignorance and insensitivity that rape cases are treated with in Ireland, but I hope that victims everywhere take heart from the public uproar that followed; for once, the silent majority in support of the victims was not silent. If the result of the trial or this show of support encourages victims to come forward and not be afraid to seek a prosecution, it can only be a good thing.
