> You use the name "gardai" as if it is different from "police" Indeed this is just the Irish word for police, and it is different in only one way that I'm awa

> You use the name "gardai" as if it is different from "police" Indeed this is just the Irish word for police, and it is different in only one way that I'm aware of, that the Irish government has long been inextricably linked to the Catholic church. You absolutely can't blame one without the other, in every instance where they've shamed the nation, they almost certainly and universally acted in concert. I have no insider knowledge, my Irish heritage is several generations removed, I don't "trace my roots" back to any clan or keep contact with relatives, and I'm not able to become a citizen of Ireland by birthright, etc, so take anything I say with a grain of salt, I'm just as outside as you... (assuming) This is a terrible story, and I don't think you can explain it other than "the shame must be hidden away, at all costs." Everything I've heard from media sources that interviewed people who were victimized by the establishment and the church, not just in this case but in other cases where the church and government agents provided cover for large scale abuses... it's amazing to hear so many that are not the least bit interested in "justice" in the way of retribution or punishment for the offenders; many of them just want their story told, so they can have their true identities, and actually start the healing process.