Kids weren't abused because of any theological philosophy, they were abused because of biological drives that were not properly monitored or kept in check, by those who had the means to carry it out. Citing the British as being responsible when they were no longer even here also smacks a bit of projecting the blame. I find this line of reasoning unconvincing.

By the way, I see that Fr. Gurnell was originally from St. Joseph's Drive, Montenotte, Cork city. That's very near where I used to live, and I went up and down St. Joseph's Drive all the time, to play music with a friend who lived (and still lives) right at the head of it.