Josepha Madigan is no stranger to controversy.
The Fine Gael politician claims that she is a ‘committed Catholic’, despite leading the regime's efforts to legalise abortion in 2018. Her views on abortion are not the only ones at odds with the church, her party's cruel social and economic policies have been the antithesis of Catholic Social Teaching, with homelessness, violence, drug use and emigration all hallmarks of their bleak decade in control.
In recent years, Madigan made headlines for ‘Saying Mass’, when she stepped in to say prayers when the local priest happened to not show up for a scheduled Mass.
Now, the controversial politician has received stinging criticism online after posting a ‘vile’ conspiracy theory regarding tragic events in Donegal.
At least 10 people were killed yesterday when an explosion occurred at a petrol station in Creeslough.
A crazed Madigan decided to irresponsibly post tasteless conspiracy theories about what had occurred, writing that she wanted the ‘culprits' to be found.
She then doubled down by saying ‘One hopes this isn’t deliberate but it needs to be clarified’.
Madigan then appeared to delete the tweets but has so far failed to offer a public apology, despite universal disgust.
Many users on Twitter called for her resignation.
It is the second high profile embarrassment for the political wing of the liberal establishment in the Irish church. Only some weeks ago, it was revealed that Mary McAleese had been influential in denying the Dalai Lama an honour at Trinity College out of fears of upsetting the Chinese Communist Party.
Madigan is a long standing campaigner for women's ordination and is on record as saying that she sees the Synod, which is eerily similar to her party's widely criticised Citizen's Assembly, as her opportunity:
‘I suppose what shocks me the most about the lack of women priests in the Catholic church is the fact that we are having a conversation about women priests in 21st century. It almost seems elementary. How many women actually want to become priests I don’t actually know, but it’s the fact that we are prohibit and bar [it] that is something I find repugnant. Having spoken to many priests and nuns about this and trying to ascertain what they really feel, I’ve heard lots of views, including that there would have to be a world council of bishops, a synod and perhaps another Vatican council to even consider change’.