What's good for the goose surely is good for the gander

In reference to the recent controversy surrounding the Dominican church in Drogheda, Fr John Harris is reported as saying: "It is in the 700 year old constitution of the Dominican order that there must be six (Dominicans living in a community) and that could not be changed."

It's always interesting how people cite rules and regulations. It gives them a sense of 'importance' and 'knowledge'.

It is also in the constitutions of the Dominican Order that communities have a person appointed to deal with the financial affairs of the community - those communities with the magic 'six'. The Dominican assigned this job is called the bursar.

It so happens the community where Fr Harris resides has no bursar. At least none is mentioned in the official annual directory of the Province.