Labour party leader Eamon Gilmore is refusing to back down after being caught out misquoting the Pope. In an interview with the Irish Examiner newspaper more than a week ago Mr Gilmore called on the Pope to tone down his allegedly homophobic remarks. In a quite outrageous sslur Mr Gilmore accused the Pope of giving support to people who perpetrate violence and hatred towards gay people.

In the Seanad last week Dermot Ahern said he was "deeply proud" of the Civil Partnership Bill. Good  for him. But apart from the fact that the Constitution prevents him pressing on to full gay marriage, it is not at all clear from his pronouncements why he would oppose such a move.

The Irish Catholic is hosting an event that may be of interest. Phil Lawler has devoted years to offering analysis, opinion and a distinctive outlook on the clerical sexual abuse crisis and the roots of the mess that the Church in Ireland and in many other countries now finds itself it.

Ronan Mullen along with a number of other senators tabled a whole series of amendments to the Civil Partnership Bill in the Seanad the other day. The treatment of Mullen by some of his fellow senators was appalling. Here is a piece I wrote about it over at the Iona Institute blog.

At least there was something of a debate on it in the Seanad. Nonetheless, the Civil Partnership Bill has passed with the overwhelming support of both Houses. They shouldn't be fooled into thinking this necessarily reflects public opinion, however.