David Ridsdale is the nephew of notorious Australian paedophile priest Fr Gerald Ridsdale.

David Ridsdale has repeatedly called for Cardinal Pell and the Church to be transparent about what they knew about the abuse of children within Catholic institutions.

In 1995, David Ridsdale was charged with two counts of indecently assaulting a young boy, to which he pleaded guilty.

He was placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond, with the magistrate noting that his history of being abused may have led to his own abusing.

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He says the government should set up a commission of inquiry after it accused the Council of bribing opposition MPs to oppose the country joining the World Trade Organisation.

The country's MPs are currently debating ratification of membership of the world trade body, but there has been widespread opposition led by the church council.

Church leaders in Vanuatu are considering what to do next after the ratification of the country's accession to the World Trade Organisation. The general secretary for the Vanuatu Christian Council says they have been very clear from the beginning they do not support the ratification.

Pastor Shem Tema says there needs to be much wider consultation with the people throughout Vanuatu. He says the churches don't have any clear direction on their next move just yet but the people are wary about what may happen. He says they don't really understand what the WTO is and what the consequences of signing the deal will mean.

Source

• Radio New Zealand International Bribery
• Radio New Zealand International More consultation needed
• Image: WTO