Important that people know

The story that Garry O'Toole told on radio today about George Gibney is interesting from many angles.

Certainly it showed the bravery of Mr O'Toole to do what he did back then. At the time he was a young man and naturally was ambitious in his swimming pursuits. Gibney was in a position of authority and people tended to believe him.

Why is it that 'spoofs' are so readily believed, even respected and treated in high esteem?

Will it ever be known the full damage that Gibney inflicted on Ireland's young swimmers? Will it ever be fully appreciated the harm he has done?

When someone in a position of authority, who is sexually perverse or is a chronic sadist, and acts out his perversity on others, is it or can it ever be measured the damage - it is usually a he - that he causes to people and future generations? Indeed, entire organisations or institutions may be damaged

The damage may well not end at the person's imprisonment or death. And in that sense it is important that there is transparency and full disclosure of what actually happens and goes on.

In such cases, freedom of information overrules any laws or rights to privacy.

Is that not so?