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TIPPERARY TD MATTIE McGrath has said that people are “getting sick and tired” of former president Mary McAleese and that she should “get off the stage”.
The deputy was speaking to Newstalk’s Pat Kenny Show ahead of the visit of Pope Francis and said that people welcoming the visit should be able to enjoy it without the former president intervening.
McGrath said that McAleese’s regular criticism of the church has “gone beyond silly”.
“Obviously the lady has issues and she needs to deal with those issues. And if she wants set up her own church too, but just go away and let people who want to enjoy the Pope go and enjoy him.”
She was damn glad of the support of Irish people, bog standard Catholics as she calls them, when she was trying to get elected. She used them, so if she wants to form her own church go do so and get off the stage.
McAleese is an expert in canon law and a committed Catholic but in recent years has been increasingly critical of some of the policies of the church’s hierarchy.
McAleese has described the Catholic Church as “an empire of misogyny” , has attacked its ban on women priests as ”pure codology” and earlier this year was banned from taking part in a Vatican conference as part of International Women’s Day.
As part of its coverage of the Pope’s visit to Ireland this week, RTÉ broadcast a programme called Mary McAleese’s Modern Family which explored her Catholicism and the place of families in the religion.
McAleese has spoken publicly about her son being gay and the fact that such marriages are not accepted by the church she is part of.
Asked about the ban on McAleese speaking at the Vatican conference, McGrath said that she has a public platform regardless.
I don’t know what she was banned from but she hasn’t been banned from RTÉ or your own programme because she’s hogging the airwaves. She’s some issues obviously that she needs to deal with herself.
“She used the Catholic Church to get where she is and she benefited greatly from it, she needs to examine her own situation and people are getting sick, tired and weary of her,” he added.
McGrath said that previous presidents like Mary Robinson “left the stage gracefully” and that McAleese should follow that example.
The TD acknowledged that McAleese “has a point” in some of the issues she raises but that she is no longer an elected representative.
“Of course she has a point and we all have to deal with it. But it’s pontificating and it’s day-in day-out she’s using her position, she’s no longer president. She had a good innings as president and her husband does a great job, but look like other former presidents they have sat on the Council of State meetings and they have respected the dignity of the incumbent.”
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Hey Mattie, I’m “people” and I’m not “sick and tired” of Mary McAleese.
I was pretty sick and tired of the sh!te you pulled during the Repeal the 8th referendum but I never suggested you STFU but then I’m generally fine with people saying whatever they want.
As a former President of Ireland Mary McAleese will have her comments reported, that’s kinda how it works.
Keep it up Mary, I support you and pretty much agree with everything you’ve said.
@Irish Bob: snowflake Catholics really need to learn to take legitimate criticism
@Chucky Arlaw: yeah, especially when it’s constructive as her criticism was until she learned of the abuse her brother suffered. And even still she’s is giving suggestions on how they can improve.
@Irish Bob: you know it’s impossible to officially leave the Catholic church right? After baptism they will always use your name to lobby for their wants.
@Irish Bob: so you agree with an institution that demonises women and homosexuals as well as covers up the systematic worldwide rape of 1000s of children? Have a look at this in depth investigation of the churches abuses and cover ups https://youtu.be/6TgXzA0USjA
@John Shea Hen: that’s over 1,000 children in one state. The worldwide number must be thousands of times more.
@Tricia G: WELL SAID
@Chucky Arlaw: Woh man more assumptions, I was raised a Catholic, I dont agrre with the Catholic Church so I have had noting to do with them since my teens. Thats my point ..
I wont join the Prostestant religion and then start giving out about their teachings will I, or become a Jew and give out that they dont believe in Jesus.
@Dave O Keeffe: Dave its easy, I’ve done it since my teens, havent been in Catholic Church in years .. last time it was it was at the back door due to friends weeding, but I didnt go in
@Tricia G: Here Here! the man is a thundering disgrace. He is nothing more than a hypocrite, if he was half the Christian he pretends to be, there would be a lot less BS and attitude coming from him. He just a contrarian happy to jump on a bandwagon to seak attention. He could do with showing some of the Christian attitude she has shown.
@Irish Bob: Are you a member of the Catholic club?
@John Shea Hen: This is the usual problem with comments in the Journal ..
One dissagres with a story on Russia and then one is accused of being a russiabot, or Putin lover etc .. same with dissagreeing with stories on trump, then you are accused of being pro everything Trump.
No i dont agree with the Catholic Church at all and it didnt take the 2 points you mentioned either, I was raised a Catholic and thats about it, havent been a practicing Catholic since my teens, years since I was in a Church and thats my point , if you dont like it then leave …
How can people be saying they want to be Catholic but dont like the rules ( no matter whether you agree with the rules or not ) join another religion or create one.
I wont be joining a soccer team tand then start complaining that I cant pick the ball up like in the GAA ffs.
@Tommy Berry: Can you read or what ? I was rasied a Catholic by no choice of my own, but no Im not a practicing Catholic as I do not agree with Catholism.
@Irish Bob: Joining a soccer team and then start complaining that I cant pick the ball up doesn’t really compare to being a member of an organisation who’s hierarchy/leaders deliberately, repeatedly and continually cover up crimes where you voice your opposition to it’s behaviour because you value the core tenets of the religion….
@Tom Purcell: Mary is a hyprocrite too , she wants to be a Catholic, but dosent agree with Catholic teachings, why would anyone want to be in a Religion they dont agree with.
@Tricia G: So leave then, no one is forcing anyone to be a Catholic are they ?
@Irish Bob: But I thought the Church IS the people? Mary is one of the people and wants it to change to maintain it’s relevancy .
As a member she is WELL within her rights to voice her concerns. She’s far more justified than I am who is not a member.
@Tricia G: Are you a practicing catholic, do you go to mass regulary, do you tend other Catholic services ? I certainly dont
@Irish Bob: Why should she leave if she doesn’t want to?
She believes she can do more good from within.
She’s perfectly entitled to do that.
Why is her opinion worth so much less than Mattie’s? Both are Catholics.
@Irish Bob: You may,however,support a football team,but disagree with some of their tactics.
@Tricia G: What has your ‘thought’s’ got to do with Catholic Doctorine ?
The irony and hyprocricy in that statement of yours “Mary is one of the people and wants it to change to maintain it’s relevancy . ”
FFS one minute theyre evil and next min its maintain its relevancy.
If eveyone were just to leave the Cathoolic Church then maybe they would change
@Irish Bob: I clearly stated I wasn’t but my (lack of) religion is irrelevant to this discussion.
As is yours.
The discussion is about Mary McAleese speaking out and wanting change in HER religion and McGrath saying she shouldn’t.
@Tricia G: I am going to strop now as you are making nonsense statement and then staing things i never said, i never said matties opinion was worth more .. to me both are equally useless
@Irish Bob: Mattie is that you?!
@Tricia G: “HER religion” how can it be her religion when she dose not agrre with it ?
@Tricia G: Great responce .. sure ill go a low as you .. are you Mary ?
@Seamus Mc Meel: Yes you may, but you dont get to chose the rules of the game do ya, and if you decide I dont like having to eat healty food, i want to east junk food your out the door
@Irish Bob: No.
@Irish Bob: Buh buy!! :)
@Irish Bob: they will still count us, that’s the point. You seem to be missing the fact that I do not agree with their agenda and do not want my name used to further it.
@Irish Bob: No she’s not, she’s being honest. There are millions and millions of Catholics who do not 100% agree with the Church’s position on various aspects. Rather than throw cheap insults about and whinge, she is actively working to improve the church.
No, a hypocrite is somebody who stands up and preaches the Gospel and then goes and rapes children.
@Irish Bob: why don’t you along with your ilk go back to the ark but this time hopefully it will sink
@Chucky Arlaw: From catholic fascists who isolate and pray on the weakest for power.
@Irish Bob: there’s a difference between disagreeing with a position and trying to productively change it on one hand, and a person who claims to have certain values but only ever seems to show contrary values – look at all the cheap and nasty put-downs he comes out with, rather than constructive comments that might challenge but ulimately drive debate and change on particular issues
@Nell foran: and what do u think is my ilk. Im an atheist. Amazing all the people supporting Mary and her beliefs.
@Chucky Arlaw: Just like republicans ?
@Tricia G: Spot on Tricia!
@Tom Purcell: i cant stand Mattie, but in this case i agree with him, that does not mean i agree with everything else he says. Most of the fundamental teachings of the Catholic Church, which i also disagree with, are what most people also dislike. I choose to have nothing to do with the Catholic Church
@Irish Bob: There you go twisting it again.
You can support her right to speak out and disagree with the Church hierarchy without agreeing or even believing in an omnipotent being.
They are two entirely and completely different things.
@Tricia G: sorry posts are all over the place and are sometimes failing or then posting before finished typing. Ive lost track of them.
@Tricia G: What i am 100% on is that the journal comments and sm in general is no place to have proper debate.
Also i had thought in the past that Mary stated she was an atheist also or am I wrong on that ?
@Irish Bob: Following your logic there, if you don’t like Irish water or other aspects of living in Ireland you’re free to jog on and start your own country. Why would you stay in a country if you don’t like how it’s being run?
@Irish Bob: Mary McAleese has never, ever stated she is an Atheist.
@Tricia G: Nice to see the looney feminists sticking together.
@Irish Bob: “no-one is forcing anyone to be a Catholic are they?” Thats where Catholics come from, children have no choice when they are baptised and sent off to school. Effectively their parents force them.
@Tricia G: well said
@Irish Bob: Not a great fan of Mary McAleese myself., mainly for political reasons. I back her 100% on the statements concerning the Catholic Church. As for your comment concerning a new religion.. The so called national religion the Catholic Church..is akin to the Nazi party…Utter belief and never question it’s methods or criminal actions.
@Tricia G: no longer an elected representative so she must shut up, are we supposed to do the same because of of us are not elected reps, tell that thug to mind his own business
@Tricia G: What a load of S###E mcaleese is a has been, just because she has a gay son doesn’t mean she has the right to be a real pain about it, So would mind shutting the F**k up.
@Murf: you clearly got up on the right side of the bed this morning. McAleese has a qualification in Law as well as Canon Law, she is probably the most qualified lay person that would be given a platform to speak in the issue. Yes, her son is gay, yes, her brother was abused. Why are you so eager to silence her?
Low life patriarchal thug Mattie McGrath thinks he can tell women to stop “hogging the stage”.
Especially Mary McAleese, an uppity woman with too much to say.
Meanwhile, Mattie, a convicted bully and a supporter of stag hunting and drink-driving, pontificates in his role as a member of the International Catholic Legislators Network. They’re the sort of people who make religion look nasty.
I’m more sick of Mattie McGrath, the melt.
@Abbie Cranky: don’t be so Cranky ;)
@Abbie Cranky: I think more people want Mattie to shut it
@Acedeuce: Mattie appears always cranky!
@Adrian: McGrath is a reactionary; but what of McAleese?
She platforms on the question of ‘diversity’ in the ‘family’.
Does that mean, like the good Catholic McAleese is, she thinks those outside a ‘family’ are of no worth?
Although the Catholic church in Ireland is not formally an established church, in effect it is. Regardless of McAleese’s selective concerns, all religion in Ireland need to be removed from any influence, control or power over any activities of the state. Coupled with that, the great bulk of church wealth should be appropriated by the state. McAleese, former President, RTE hack and Queens University pro-vice chancellor wanders the land finding pious families who are nevertheless ‘diverse’, to her essentially conseravtive and patronising eyes. McAleese is no disestablishment promoter. She is a sort of MeToo catholic, not really concerned at lot about the lot of common man/woman; but is greatly exercised about the ‘right type’ (nice comfortable middle-class set) not getting into the catholic club because of their identity politics. She will use some ‘diverse’ innocent and naive types to push her case, off course. McGrath isn’t at the the races with the likes of McAleese.
I’m not religious or even Irish but I totally agree. She is a dose who wants, craves to be relevant again
@Tyler Williams: eh, her brother was abused at the hands of the church and she has been talking about ways the church can improve ever since her presidency ended.
@Tyler Williams: “Obviously the lady has issues and she needs to deal with those issues.”
Like her brother being abused by a priest.
In fairness, she seems to actually offer some constructive ideas that might help the church to stymie its rapid decline.
@Tyler Williams: sick of her now. Let interested people enjoy the Pope’s visit you’ve made your point that many agree with . She’s like an extreme version of all those pro-abortion extremists at this stage, screaming look at me.I Very quiet while president too on anything meaningful, same as Michael D.
Please God Gemma ODoherty will be a change.
@Jim Ni Suilleabhain: the presidents role IS not to get involved. It’s the job. A president of Ireland must represent all people at all times. They’re seen and not heard basically.
@Tyler Williams: Unbelievable stupidity and willful ignorance to believe her motivation is for “attention” rather than seeking justice for her abused brother, her son who the church regards as sinful and herself who has been labelled incapable of leadership because she is a woman and outlawed from the organisation for delivering hard truths.
Be honest to yourself, you find what she’s saying uncomfortable to your beliefs and you desperately want to discredit her so you don’t have to accept it.
@Jim Ni Suilleabhain: ‘pro abortion extremists’ <- still hurting ?
"Please God Gemma ODoherty will be a change." <- she won't be able to do zilch…her hand will be sore like the rest of them from signing bills…but i'll say that the pay-check & the perks that will go with it will be niiiiiice…
@Tyler Williams: You’ll find this is all for her soon to be FF TD son…
@Michael Allen: everyone knows our presidents role is to be impartial, that doesn’t mean it’s pointless. The president represents us at state events, signs bills into law and acts as supreme commander of the defense forces among other duties. I never said there was no work involved. How is it hypocrisy? How many children has she abused? How many promotions has she denied based on gender? How many LGBT people has she denigrated? For it to be hypocrisy she’d have to be engaging in the acts she is criticising them for. It’s best to know the meaning of a word before using it.
@MickNev: the son the church condemns based on his sexual orientation? Or maybe it’s for his brother that they abused? I’d expect a mother and sister with standing to speak out on those issues. She has been critical of the church since her presidency ended.
@Dave O Keeffe: Timing tells you everything, shes using the subject for his gain…
@MickNev: timing tells you that the leader of the organisation she has been calling to reform for over four years is visiting.
@Dave O Keeffe: She only found out about the abuse lately did she? Did she know about it when she used 10s of thousands of taxpayers money visiting the vatican during her presidency..
So let me get this straight , her brother was abused by someone in the church,her son is gay and she feels that the churches attitude to gay people is awful,and she reckons that the church is an “empire of misogyny”.Most people would just call it quits and leave,but not her,sure there’s no publicity out of that.Take a hike Mary.
@Ciaran: you can’t leave the church. And as a person people pay attention to she felt the need to speak out since her family isn’t the only one affected.
@Jim Ni Suilleabhain: You do know Gemma O’Doherty is Pro choice too right?
@Jim Ni Suilleabhain: If you knew anything about the constitution, which obviously you dont. You would realise your hero can make no impact on the laws of the country because of her own beliefs. Funny I was never abused by Yes canvassers but was by No when I would not tell them how I was voting
@Tyler Williams: are you saying you are a non Irish Catholic who is not an active member of the church? How can you be relavent to what Mary has to say?
Ah yes, Mattie ‘we can’t be lettin the wimmin have notions’ McGrath. We saw your true colours during the debate to remove the 8th and exactly what you think a womans place is….
@The Risen: his opinion differed from yours and your side of the argument won unanimously – can you not let it go?
@Hellenize Dublin: amen to that…the ‘risen’ sure does be a one for the ol grudge holding…he still harps on about Hillary not getting elected in the US.as the song from frozen goes…” let it go”
@Frank Dubogovik: “he still harps on about Hillary not getting elected in the US”
Link please…..
@The Risen: Be nice.Or else the lad might get confused with what account that he is using..
@The Risen: You’re voting for a presidential candidate that was anti choice. You’re not even consistent in your views.
@Peter Denham: considering that matter has already been settled I don’t see the relevance. The president can’t change referendum results
@Peter Denham: I would vote for Gemma O’Doherty on her anti corruption platform. The referendum is done and dusted.
@Dave O Keeffe: did you read the comment I’m replying to? He obviously holds a huge amount of disdain for anyone who was anti choice despite the matter being settled. Seems a bit odd to lambast someone for holding a specific opinion on a single topic while simultaneously commending another person who holds the same view. I’ll go ahead and assume it’s because one is a man and one is a woman.
@The Risen: Ah OK, let’s just ignore her views on the trans community and vaccinations too.
@Peter Denham: “the referendum is done and dusted” he says without a hint of irony on a thread created by him about the referendum.
@Hellenize Dublin: you clearly have no idea what ‘unanimously’ means
@Peter Denham: Y’see, I’m capable of taking her platform and various views into consideration, and making an informed decision about whether to vote for her or not. It’s how grown ups deal with the world, rather than binary, black and white, thinking.
@The Risen: funny, someone holding anti choice views was enough to write them off as a decent human being before. “You showed your true colours during the referendum.” Is it safe to assume that you didn’t do your research on a candidate and are now embarrassingly trying to save face?
@Peter Denham: I always do my research. It’s unlikely that there will be a candidate who shares 100% of my positions running in this election. As things stand, Gemmas platform is worth supporting, despite the fact that I hold differing views to her on other matters.
Like I said, it’s how grown ups deal with the world.
@Peter Denham: couldn’t possibly be anything at all to do with Mattie’s comment about Catherine Noone? That’d be a very good reason to suggest he has repugnant views on women. Also, it’s unfair to say he is opposed to all anti-choice campaigners when he made a comment about one person only.
@The Risen: Yet you seemingly can’t let go of the fact that the man in this article was anti choice. Just seems a bit hypocritical.
@Dave O Keeffe: so it was this comment that suggested he has repugnant views rather than his stance on abortion. So being pro life doesn’t constitute having a repugnant view on women? The narrative has shifted dramatically recently.
@The Risen: you just used mcgrath’s stance on the referendum as an argument.so it’s in done & dusted only when you want to bring it back up.a bit hypocritical there risen but when your views on the rc church are the same as the Orange order when you claim to be a republican what should we expect.
@Dave
I don’t think that comment was a reference to Catherine No one ( won’t allow me type the proper surname’ maybe google knows more than I do !) it’s a comment that has been used for decades but in these politically correct days people take offence for any reason
@Mary King: “until the fat lady songs and I’m not referring to the previous speaker” the previous speaker was Catherine Noone. He mentioned her himself. It’s a common phrase that nobody would think was about her unless he drew the comparison himself.
@Peter Denham: the risen mentioned his comments during the campaign, not his stance.
@Dave O Keeffe: I don’t think so, The Risen never mentioned the comments, only you have. Why do you keep speaking for him anyway? Are you his assistant?
@Peter Denham: now you’re just being silly, he said that Mattie made his views on women known, I’ve given you an example. I’m not speaking for him I’m speaking to you because you’ve clearly misinterpreted the comment.
Mary McAleese speaks nothing but sense in regard to the church. She speaks intelligently on the matter and can speak as someone who has loved ones who have suffered first hand. She is absolutely correct when she says that there is no one in the churches hierarchy, at this time, that is qualified to deal with the awful atrocities and crimes that have been committed and covered up.
It beggars belief with me that the likes of Matti McGrath can think that an intelligent argument on such serious acts of misconduct should not be voiced.
@2thFairy: exactly. Well said
@2thFairy: he can’t abide her intelligence
I’m fed up with the likes of Mattie McGrath telling education women, of integrity what to do. If we have to listen to his old-world nonsense then he should have the decency to listen to people who know what they are talking about. The next election will resolve “themattieproblem”
@John Dunne: no chance of the people of Tipp sorting out the mattieproblem look at Lowery and he’s a living god down there.
From the independent:
“Mr McGrath is a member of the International Catholic Legislators Network which is meeting with the Pope ahead of his visit to Ireland on Saturday.”
Says it all really.
At last a politician who speaking with a bit of sense. Why doesn’t she go off into the sunset with her massive taxpayer funded pension
@Kevin Moylan: Says it all when you agree completely with that clown Mattie McGrath
@Kevin Moylan: Oh,because you don’t like what she says,she shouldn’t be saying it?Charming.
@Kevin Moylan: She earns her pension with her non-stop work defending the abused and the vulnerable. From her position of influence she promotes their rights – she could be living a sweet lazy life but she believes in continuing her service to those of us who need an influential voice speaking on our behalf.
Her son is entering politics and that is why she is making noise,why didnt she speak about these things when president and 1 of her trips to the vatican cost the public over €20,000,the hotel room 1 night cost over €3,000.
@@mdmak33: Just two particular points, the President is not allowed to talk about what ever they like, public statements need to be aproved by the Govt. Also accomodation for the President is sorted by the Dept of Foreign Affairs, they don’t have any real inputs.
Mary McAleese is a formidable highly educated woman and. Canon Lawyer. She is rightly speaking out about all that is wrong with the Catholic Church and the changes that are need ed. She may be a voice in the wilderness but anyone who has the courage to take on the Curia in the Vatican has my support. Since the Church is 200 years behind the times she has her work cut out.
As for Mattie McGrath zzzzzzz
@Aine O Connor: Suckered
@Aine O Connor: yes, who wants to listen to that ignorant Neanderthal trying to bring down an articulate and qualified speaker
She has become unbearable, shes everywhere at the minute and is using this for political reasons, where was she on this 10years ago or when she was president, hiding saying little.. Now the son is soon to run for crocked FF she needs the name back out there… Just more politicians using peoples lives to advance their own personal political career or of those close to them… As per usual the country falls for it..
Jaysus, the people of Tipperary elect the best
@All Aboard To China:
Tipperary and its elected representatives are fast becoming a byword for corruption and backwardness, must be something in the water..
@All Aboard To China: The people of Tipperary elect the politicians who will listen to them and fight their corner in a Dublin dominated society. The people of Kerry and indeed the constituencies of Dublin do the same. Don’t hate the player….
@All Aboard To China: being from Dublin we have nothing to brag about haughey,ahern & lawlor
@All Aboard To China: Tipperary people are more Irish
Well, that is about as much respect and tolerance as I would expect from this man. I am sure Mattie could use a healthy dose of grace and dignity himself
Well TG for free speech! Mattie might be a tad of a loose cannon from time to time, but boy( ( or girl or whatever yer havin yerself), he’s spot on in his comments! Ms. McAleese loves the camera and shur, why wouldn’t RTE indulge her. After all, she is from that stable !
Totally agree the less I hear from macaleese the better
Agree Matty it’s all about her son.get off the stage .get real.enjoy the papal visit.
She’s a Catholic… She’s entitled to say what she wants about her religion and who the f is Mattie Mc Grath to tell her otherwise. That’s the problem with the RC cult. First silence the dissenters outside the fold then silence those within. A couple of more generations and this nonsense will be gone thankfully.
Typical tactic from the brainwashed. They want those challenging their irrational beliefs to stop talking since they struggle to engage with their points from a position of blind belief they cannot justify.
I’m sorry Mattie but we no longer live in a country where people speaking uncomfortable truths can be hushed.
She is brave enough to discuss her own family situation, a brother abused and a child gay ,these are issues that need to be talked about .sticking our heads in the sand does not work in our brave new world .all these children were baptised catholic ,now the church wishes to ignore and wash their hands of them .sorry, the church is the congregation carrying with it all problems of humanity .Deal with it
Once she started talking about “fake hetero homophobes” and being “utterly terrified” of the clergy I just presumed she was either attention-seeking or had lost the plot. Possibly both.
@Dave Slater: She wasn’t wrong in what she said. It is terrifying that priests, who are gay, are so warped by church teachings that they preach that homosexuality is wrong and is “intrinsically disordered” to other gay Catholics. Can you not see how fked up that is?
@Ian Walsh: in my area most of the priests are gay and so what? however they nee€ to come out, if this sample is representative of the countr6 as a whole then the church would have to group the remaining straight priests in a centre and fly them out to the various parts of the country for emergency spiritual first aid
Mattie takes his lessons from the hierarchy very seriously and it seems he’s a keen student.
His answer to this problem, as he sees it, is to Transfer her, Move her and silence her.
Very good Mattie, you’ve learned well, here’s a weekend in Rome for yourself and the missus.
Right on Mattie, coz its Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve
An articulate and highly educated woman. I’d like to hear more from her please!
I’m a centre left atheist but I too am getting rather sick of the likes of Mary McAleese. All her virtue-signalling against the Catholic Church would have been very courageous 40 years ago but now … criticising the Catholic Church is a very easy target with minimal risk and even confers status for those who hobnob within chattering class circles. If Mary McAleese has such a conscience, why wasn’t she out protesting the recent visit of Hillary Clinton – a woman who has played an egregious part in every NATO war for the last 20 years, killing and impoverishing many more people than the pope, the church (or Mattie McGrath). I also think that MSM stories such as these are designed to stir the usual ‘outrage’ from young urban liberals at Mattie McGrath and his ‘backward’ ilk. My own opinion about Mattie McGrath is who cares, now can we concentrate on the real establishment approved menaces – like Hillary Clinton! But of course the media or many Official Ireland figures like McAleese continuously take the path of least resistance, creating distractions from real issues on their way. However, big kudos to the Journal.ie all the same – they’re still the only Irish media outlet that allow comments giving people like me a voice.
@Alan Harvey: As a Christian, I agree 100% with you on Hilary Clinton and other points you’ve made. There does not have to be this great divide between believers/non believers, I hate what has happened in this country to children, women, [never the fathers], and yes, Mary McAleese is only attacking the church now since her son is Gay and she wants that OKd by the church, she has her own Agenda, as she had back when she wanted to become president.
@Rosemarie Martin: Rosemarie – you rock!
Well said Mattie McGrath
I’ve never liked her after her obsequious kowtowing to the queen. However what she says is right. It’s the old chestnut – most men agree with 99% of the feminist agenda, just not when women say it :)
@White Rhino: When the queen spoke the cupla focal and the camera flicked to President mccaleese and she mimes the word WOW twice . That grinds my gears
@deisecelt: that was a huge turnaround from what we came from.it was a big moment…..maybe u didnt hear morning news in 70s when all ud hear is who was killed prev 24hrs,catholics n prodestants.so with the queen speaking irish, it waa a wow comning from where we were.
@deisecelt: who could ever forget that almost as bad as John the Brit having an orgasm when he met prince Charles
@deisecelt: Cringe inducing so it was,maybe she should’ve f€&ked off back to england with her majesty.
@deisecelt: didn’t hear her give off about what the British done in this country she licked the royal ass instead
Its very hard to get rid of all types of fookers in Ireland .
They are like the Undead . Always hanging about . Does Mary McAleese ask where was FF , Fg , Lab when a lot of this stuff was going on . First of all they allowed willingly and enthusiastically the Catholic Church to do so much stuff that they should have been doing . Turns out that has been a very handy scapegoat for them .
I am an atheist , so I have no particular axe to grind .
As a FF nomination for president surely Mary McAleese must have a lot of questions for FF . Where were FF when so much of this stuff was happening ?
Nice one Mattie…!!! Spot on…
Mattie “let’s sweep everything under the carpet” McGrath he should be known as now!
I think Mary is trying to outshine the Pope this weekend. Get herself back in with the gang.
Soo sick of her. Mary try mindfullness, build a bridge and leave us alone.
To the journalists- please give us something other than Mary Macs grudge of the moment to read about.
@Pajo Mata: I among many want Mary to continue to out the Church and the damage the Religious have committed not only in Ireland but around the World to please continue and dont be afraid of a few who dont want the Church’s secrecy to come out. I would also urge people who are sickened to leave the Church and don’t be put off when they hear people saying you cannot leave that Church.
keep up the good work Mary McAleese,
Mattie, you still have no clue !
A parochial bogger in a cheap suit who doesn’t like women with brains. He should have joined the priesthood
I never liked this fella Mattie Mcgrath from the very start long before the repeal of the eight and as I supported the no side in the Referendum when I seen this fella going off the subject in the Citizen assembly I had made up my mind that the no side had lost before they got started . Who in the name of Heaven’s would allow this fella to talk on anything and now when a Citzen of this Country want the truth to come out about the Church this fella is voicing his disapproval. Mattie I have two words for you but unfortunately I cannot use them here.
@Alan Scott: and the second one is off!!
The problem here is that she is a female. The Catholic Church doesn’t take kindly to females voicing an opinion.
Matty, President McAleese is speaking out for long ignored survivors of church abuse & for the equality of the LGBT community. She is fighting for minorities so the future will be better for future generations.
What are you doing? Your closed mind belongs in the dark ages. Dont start me on your celtic tiger incompetence & the Fianna Fail culture of brown envelopes. You’re way out of your league. Put a sock in it…..
McAleese had her time in the spotlight why didn’t she speak out then? Because the situation at the time didn’t effect her family. But now things are different so she wants to speak now. #stayoffthestagemary
@John Doran: yet another ignorant clown who doesn’t understand the very limited role of the President and their capacity to speak their mind while in office. She also wasn’t aware of her brothers rape and abuse until after she left office.
Mattie people including myself are sick of you. I would rather watch paint dry on the outside of a house on a wet day than have to watch or listen to you. Why anyone would vote for you is beyond me.
Good man Mattie, Fair play to you , The p,c brigade will be up in arms with you
I should think that most people are much more fed up with Mattie McGrath’s comments than President McAleese’s Christian and caring comments and motherly concerns.
Church = systemic coverups of child abuse
Mattie = Mattie who?
Mary = can never forgive her for fawning over the queen. Have some respect for yourself and the people you represent. Oh woaw
IMO, it is preferable for her to criticise the Church rather than simply ignore it and go on her atheistic way. At least she is still interested in Catholicism! and she is presumably
still a theist.
Many ex-Catholics would like to see The Church reform and modernise rather than being fused on to primitive dogma texts whose origins are , to say the least, doubtful.
Mattie has let the keyboard terrorists loose.
Good on you Mattie stick it too then and he’s correct let her form her own church.
The greatest surprise is the same keyboard warriors hated her when she was president
Mattie ‘Rent a quote’ Mcgrath whining about a public figure seeking attention for their cause. Hey Pot, meet……
During the gov investigation into the banking enquiry, they called in some fella to question him. They were given 15 minutes each. So Matties turn came, and he made a 15 minute speech, in his own cranky way!
Free speech!!!
What a lovely character Mr McGrath is. Criticism of the horrendous way the church treats people is fine as long as we don’t need to hear it and people can feel fluffy and happy while the pope is visiting. Obviously someone who is stuck in times gone by. Shame on you as a public representative.
I’m fed up with the lot of them.
Mattie, Mary, all the other Mary’s holy or otherwise.
Be better off doing something useful!
I do think McGrath has valid points about McAleese relying on the votes of Catholics in her time, and in that context her relentless attacks on the Catholic Church seem a bit hypocritical and designed to help her son get elected to the Dail (which he won’t this time around given the arithmetic in the constituency he’s running in). Having said all that McGrath is a terrible windbag and a poor communicator and – as polls have shown – the majority of people agree with the views of our former president about the institutional church.
Good man Mattie
Someone speaking truth at last. Let’s have more of it.
Well said
Well said Mattie people are sick of her
Some people (me) are already sick and tired of “people” like Mattie who crave a few headlines to boost their appeal?! to the electorate. In fairness to Mattie he promotes a few good agendas – on this one he is plain wrong because Mary is plain right. Blind faith, Mattie?
Who’s Mattie mcGrath?
Oh no we’re not…. Move along mattie
Thousands of children raped and abused. Babies buried in septic tanks. The Vatican and senior church officials covering it up, and continuing to do so. And Mattie has an issue with a former president speaking out about this. Unbelievable!! I really hope McGrath has to deal with abuse victims from his constituency in the future. Might give the total gobs**te some perspective.
This is one of the last big hurdles Ireland needs to rid itself of. Throw off the yolk of the Roman Catholic Church once and for all !
@Beabad Bishop: We have a gay Taoiseach, a communist president, abortion, divorce and many other things in this country that the Catholic Church is dead against. What is this yolk you speak of?
@Beabad Bishop:
Yoke
@Will: He is a socialist not a communist, learn which is which.
I would build the stage myself
I do not agree that keeping shtum is the way to respect the “dignity of the incumbent”. Irrespective of how she came onto her platform she is finally using her position to speak about what matters and hurts modern day Catholics. The church would be wise to listen to her and stop alienating such large proportions of prospective members. Adapt or die. I am just surprised that a clearly intelligent women gives any credence to such nonsense in the first place.
Mattie McGrath is part of the problem, not part of any solution. The sooner he leaves the stage the better. He is not fit to clean the boots of Mary McAleese.
Mattie McGrath – Why should our former President not have whatever stage she wants to? She was the President of our fine country after all. I’m FAR happier to listen to her wisdom than whatever it is you’re on about.
He’s a disgrace.
Anyone that knows me personally knows how hard I’ve been on the Catholic Church for decades, and but make a comment on the Journal dissagreeing with hollier than thou Mary Mc and suddenly I am a homophobic, padeophile Pope obeying Catholic ..
ALL RELIGIONS are BULL
@Irish Bob: In fairness I agree with you on almost nothing (actually probably fully nothing), but yes, I’ve never felt you come across as “homophobic, padeophile Pope obeying Catholic ..” etc.
You have been consistent in your views, generally misguided and wrong yes, but I admire your willingness to comeback and be educated daily :-)
They both need to get off,the Stage
McGrath is a Buzzard a sad sad excuse for a Representative of IRISH people,no wonder he is aligned with the Kerry Clowns. Possibly borders on being a BIGOT.
Ditto, Mattie or Mattie, ditto.
Twitchy TDs! Must be feeling threatened!! Good for you Mary!!
All she sayes is true he always talked shit the right wing fool
@James Donnery: what she says on this issue is true, and nowhere near right wing pal…maybe think before you belch
@White Rhino: mattie is the right wing fool
@James Donnery: she makes a lot of valid points and she speaks as an RC member and does have deep knowledge of their systems. Her input is welcome, but I’m still a little cynical that she didn’t press so hard while it didn’t suit her, she was a big part of the establishment once. Did she put state before victims just like the bishops did for the church?
@Karen Wellington: Yep I realised my mistake…apologies
Sick of both of them
Master McGrath
Dear moron Mattie…. you .. and by “you” I mean the church and it’s hangers on have a history of trying to silence those who challenge wrongdoingin the church… The ex Pres is a highly educated woman and Canon Lawyer…. way way above your station Mattie… so it is not surprising to hear a gud ol’ catlic boy trying to keep the “wimmen in their place”… she knows and understands more about the intricate workings of the church than you could ever conceive… it’s numpties like you that give politics a bad name… every time I hear you and your ilk I am immediately transported to Ballymagash….
@Kieran Brady:..and we see about half the comments supporting him. Says a lot about the state of the country and how far we have yet to go before reaching a more tolerant open society instead of this indoctrinated cult supporting hive mind still so prevalent and vocal in their distain for anyone to highlight their hypocrisy.
Hey Mattie, sick of listening to you.
Up da RA
You don’t speak for everyone Mattie personally I am glad that she is speaking up. What she has to say needs to be heard
Wasn’t he one of the gang who signed the slash and burn legislation bills there recently. In my book that’s enough said about that imbecile. He should be burned!
i think this fecken eejit should get off the stage and ship himself to the artic with just the clothes on his back and he should be made stay there…he is of absolutely no benefit to the people of ireland…waste of space and air
I sick of Mattie and he standing by an evil law breaking government. He can get stuffed – and take his fellow independents and Fianna Fail with him.
This debate on the (increasingly powerless) Catholic Church has been done to death for the last 30 years and it doesn’t help us, it only create distractions from more important issues. I can think of other debates I would like McAleese to trail-blaze on issues that affect us all … like the illegal detention of Julian Assange for exposing 10 years government and corporate wars and corruption, the media vilification of Jeremy Corbyn for being a decent politician, Ireland’s continuing veneration of the wall street warmongering Barack Obama, the list is endless. But sadly I know that if McAleese had have raised these issues, she would be either ignored or derided by the media.
She’s definitely a pain in the arse
Mattie McGrath is reported as saying that she was pontificating. Was he being ironic?
Fat lady singing..oh wait that was the previous misogynistic female slur..
OFF not Of #grammerpolice #meemaw
I wish they’d all go away Mattie – Mary – the pope and the r st of the God botherers and let normal sane logical people get on with it
Blessed are the fools like Mattie, for they have facilitated the Church in its power mongering and cover-ups and making taxpayers pay for their misdemeanors.
Shut up Mattie at least mary is a voice fr the abused ..unlike any member of goverment..the best u lot did was squander 20 million on hosting the pope while irish people are being evicted on a daily basis and suck children are on 3yr waiting lists .?????
Yes Mattie , just shut up . You don’t speak for me
@Patricia O’Brien: I agree Mattie should shut up forever. Dinosaur.
Can anyone actually understand what Mattie talks?
I cannot tell you how angry I am of Mattie McGrath and his ilk. If it’s not him its the Healy Rae dynasty pushing out local politics into an international arena and have no national agenda only local. If it’s local politics then be a councillor and stay away from the adults. Mary McAleese is untouchable by the likes of the Mattieiets and Healyites etc in the house. These people are unaware of our constitution and we are all equal. I an no stanch Republican but I do know the 1916 leaders proclomation tells us we are sll equal. That means men and women Mattie. All we ever wanted was to be free to make our own choices we did not gain our independence to give it away to another foreign power (who hates women homosexuals, LGBT and whatever you are having yourself) the Vatican. Mattie you will be long forgotten when your time comes unlike our amazing citizens new and old who stand up for what is right like Mary McAleese, Mary Robbinson, John Hume, Charles Stewart Parnell, Michael Collins, Peter McVerry, Michael D Higgins, our brave soldiers and navy our nurses and doctors our volunteers who help amazing charities do what they have to do and I could go on. Mattie I wish you well but you need to stop you aul rhetoric and leave our good people alone. Enjoy your Pope mind you he is a Jesuit and maybe not to your liking and he has a hard road ahead with the likes of you in his way with the 70s attitude. I am olds than you Mattie I experienced the pain of a young boy growing up in a world controlled by the church my church too and I felt an outsider in fear of it and growing up in a family of strong strong women watch them being made into second class citizens. Grow up Mattie you are out numbered we will win and I pray and hope to God one day a Women priest will celebrate mass until then I will not play any part in your sad sad world of grey and brown.
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