IRELAND
The Journal
LEADERS FROM ACROSS the political spectrum have paid tribute to journalist and documentary-maker Mary Raftery, who has passed away aged 54.
Raftery was best known for her 1999 RTÉ documentary States of Fear, which examined the abuse suffered by children in church-run State schools. Its broadcast led to an official apology and the establishment of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse.
Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said he was “very saddened” to learn of Raftery’s death. He said her work had “lifted the lid” on the physical and sexual abuse of children, with a “far-reaching” impact. “In these programmes, and in her other work, she uncovered the truth, even when it was a truth that a lot of people did not want to hear,” he said, adding:
This country owes her a huge debt of gratitude.
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