Apology for crucifix removal

Dublin City returning officer James Barry has apologised to Harold’s Cross priest Fr Gerry Kane after a Sheriff’s Office official removed a crucifix from the local pastoral centre.

The official had removed the crucifix as he had been told it was offensive, but on being contacted by Fr Kane offered to restore it. Mr Barry apologised for the official’s actions and his office’s failure to respond promptly to Fr Kane.

“I told him I was happy that the issue had been clarified in public, through The Irish Catholic, that the Sheriff had no responsibility for the decor of premises requisitioned for the purpose of voting”, Fr Kane said.