IRELAND
Irish Independent
ONE of the country's most outspoken bishops has supported former junior minister Liz O'Donnell in her row with the Taoiseach about the State's special relationship with the Catholic Church.
Bishop of Killaloe Dr Willie Walsh said the Church should be treated by the State like any other lobby group.
"The relationship has been quite a close one over the years and it's very often simply that politicians know people involved in Church at a personal level.
"I would be happy if it was a more formal relationship - like trade unions, for example, have with the State - where there would be occasional meetings with discussion of matters of mutual interest."