Staff gaffe as new Primate begins duties

The new Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland has officially begun his duties, but the welcoming service didn't go quite as planned. 


The Most Reverend Doctor Richard Clarke was striking the West Door of St Patrick's Cathedral three times as part of the traditional ceremony when his staff snapped in two.

However he took the mishap in good humour and held the broken staff together as he was welcomed into the cathedral to deliver an address.
 
Doctor Richard Clarke, who is 63, takes over from Alan Harper, who had been in the post for five years.
 
Hundreds of people came to St Patrick's to watch the service on Saturday.