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	Priest Rape Victim Defends Brady UTV March 19, 2010 http://www.u.tv/News/Priest-rape-victim-defends-Brady/1473bff8-37f1-4fbc-be1a-b2c3d39a9247 A woman who claims she was raped by a priest when she was 17 has said the head of the Catholic Church in Ireland should not step down from his position, branding Cardinal Brady the "best of a bad bunch". On Thursday, UTV revealed Cardinal Brady was closely involved in the recent settlement of a sex abuse case in Northern Ireland, where ?45,000 was paid out to a victim in exchange for her silence. In an interview with U105's Frank Mitchell, the alleged victim said the Irish Primate should have been more honest about the role he played in a number of cases.Article Continues "If he's hidden what happened in 1975 and if he's hidden what's happened now, what else has actually been hidden? "I don't see any advantage for him to resign. He has proven to me over the last few months that he has taken some actions and perhaps he is the best person to move things forward. "Who would replace him? He is the best of a bad bunch," she told Frank Mitchell. UTV obtained the draft document settling the claim, naming the victim, the alleged perpetrator and Cardinal Brady. The terms of the contract show she was to be paid ?45,000 by Fr Joseph Quinn to cover for damages and legal costs. But there would be no acceptance of liability on the part of either defendant, and the victim would not be allowed to speak out about her allegations, particularly to the media. Cardinal Sean Brady said he was not a signatory in the final settlement. His spokesman said the Archbishop did not sign any confidentially agreement and said he would have no part in any such agreement with Father Quinn's solicitors. He said Dr Brady's name was on the document because it cites all involved in the case. The victim told Frank Mitchell it was "never about the money" and "there had been no justice". She said she did not feel the priest at the centre of her abuse allegations, Fr Quinn, had been punished. "Absolutely not. I mean, he still wears his collar. "They tell me he's been suspended from ministry - but I mean, he's still very much a public figure. I've seen him on the TV in recent times, seen him in the newspapers when I open them and still very much is a priest. "He may not be distributing communion, but he has assisted at funerals and at Mass." The alleged victim explained that she had first met Fr Quinn when he was a young priest new to the area. She said he took advantage of her vulnerability. Police launched an investigation into her claims but the Public Prosecution Service concluded that there was insufficient evidence to bring charges. Fr Quinn was tried on other allegations and was acquitted in 2003. The Church insists he remains suspended from ministry as a priest. Explaining why she thought her claims had not originally been believed and why no one had been prepared to report the alleged abuse to police, the woman said: "For the simple reason of who you were dealing with - you were dealing with not just one very powerful person, but a very powerful organisation. "These people, the priests themselves were very well thought of by everyone in the parish. "There could be no sense ... Something like this happens in other places, it doesn't happen here. "He got full support from people, just because of who it was - that was why people didn't believe me." She added: "Certainly in recent months, Cardinal Brady has had a lot of contact with Daddy and has done quite a bit as regards moving things on - but ultimately, he was first told this in 2002, so it was someeight8 years later before he's done anything about it." On Wednesday, Cardinal Sean Brady said he will be taking the rest of lent to consider his position as leader of the Catholic Church.
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