Minister retracts 'fascists' comments

MINISTER OF State Conor Lenihan has retracted comments referring to “fascists” which he made in the Dáil during sharp exchanges in a debate on education cuts.

He told the House yesterday that he would be “delighted” to withdraw the remarks. “I am delighted to retract here on the record. I am also delighted Deputy Varadkar is not as precious as his colleagues over there.”

The controversy first arose on Wednesday at the end of the first night of the Dáil debate when Fine Gael communications spokesman Simon Coveney drew attention to Mr Lenihan’s alleged remarks and demanded a retraction.

Mr Lenihan reportedly referred to Fine Gael enterprise spokesman Leo Varadkar as a fascist, which he denied.

He said, however, that Mr Varadkar’s policies were akin to those of the fascist British National Party.

The issue was raised again yesterday by Fine Gael transport spokesman Fergus O’Dowd. He referred to “gestures and words spoken in the Chamber, which were deeply offensive to many people”.

Mr O’Dowd said the Leas-Cheann Comhairle had undertaken to report to the Ceann Comhairle to adjudicate on the matter.

However, Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue said “action replays are not something we get involved in”.

Mr O’Dowd said, however, it was a “serious and fundamental issue” and it was “important that the gesture made here last night and the intent behind it or the words spoken, would be withdrawn”