LEO VARADKAR has apologised after describing Northern Ireland as “overseas” in a radio interview last week.
The Taoiseach made the remarks on Pat Kenny’s Newstalk radio show while discussing the possibility Green Party members in Northern Ireland having a say in the formation of a coalition government.
"We don't have a lot of overseas members. We do have some overseas members though. We have members in Belfast for example," he said.
The remarks drew criticism from Sinn Féin assembly member Emma Sheerin who accused Mr Varadkar of being "out of touch with people north and south at a time when people on the ground are struggling with the challenges of the COVID19 crisis.”
"His comments are bizarre and insulting to the nationalists in the north he pledged never to leave behind again and he should unreservedly withdraw them."
The Taoiseach has now issued a response to the criticism, apologising over is error while seeking to clarify his comments.
"My sincere apologies to anyone I offended," Mr Varadkar told The Irish News.
"I have crossed the land border dozens of times in my efforts to prevent a hard border and to bring both jurisdictions closer together.
"To clarify, Fine Gael has a Belfast branch and we also have branches overseas like Brussels.
“The context, which some have neglected to mention, was me defending the right of Green Party and Fine Gael members living in Northern Ireland to have a say on whether we form a government together."
The Taoiseach hit back at his Sinn Fein critics though, asking if the party "in the interests of good will" would "stop referring to the State as the ‘South of Ireland’, ‘Free State’ or the ‘Southern State’".
"Some find that offensive too and it is geographically incorrect, especially if you consider the location of Donegal," he added.
The criticism and response comes a day after Mr, Varadkar clashed with Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald over the €350 per week COVID-19 pandemic unemployment payment.
He was keen to highlight that payments for the unemployed are far lower in Northern Ireland, where Sinn Fein is in power.
