A Mayo View: If we're going to have a national debate on the Epstein Files, then it needs to be forensic

Who would have believed that the news agenda for the past week would be dominated by a controversial float on St. Patrick’s Day?

Yes, it was appalling and unacceptable and, yes, it will force parade organising committees to radically overhaul their float vetting procedures, making the task of already overworked volunteers that much more stressful.

But it is also true that if we are going to have a national debate on the Epstein Files, then it needs to be far more forensic than an understandable national outcry over what happened on the streets of Headford, Shrule, Kilmaine and Ballinrobe on March 17 last.

Amid all the condemnation, a valid point was made that while members of the public could read dozens of articles during a 24-hour news cycle condemning the float, very little coverage was being dedicated to covering what the Epstein Files are saying about Ireland.

After all, it is only a matter of weeks since the nation learned of the case - based on US Department of Justice files and first highlighted by Epstein survivor Lisa Phillips on the Late, Late Show last February - of the 13-year-old who was trafficked by Epstein through Ireland for ‘politicians and notable men for the purpose of sex’.

As one politician, Independent Senator Sharon Keogan, put it, where was the outrage when our government declined to investigate these claims and the other possible Epstein links to Ireland.

In fairness to some sections of the political establishment, the Labour Party’s spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Duncan Smith, wrote to the Taoiseach on February 5 calling for an interrogation into the documents.

In his response, the Taoiseach said that investigations into the allegations were the responsibility of An Garda Síochána and developments are awaited.

Deputy Smith’s party leader, Ivana Bacik, met with the aforementioned Ms. Phillips and gave her a commitment to continue pursuing the issue at a political level.

During her interview on the Late Late Show, Ms. Phillips said she was motivated to find justice for ‘the brave, young girl who spoke out and she contacted the FBI’ and to ensure an investigation took place into her claims.

She added: "I've always said, it's not just in the United States, it's a global human trafficking ring.

"And there are many powerful people - government officials, financial institutions, universities, modelling industry, entertainment industry - there are so many people that are involved, which is why it's a big mess.”

Needless to say, this is an issue that will not be going away any time soon.

And neither should it.