Sinn Féin Shuts Down Whatsapp Group After Derogatory Comments Made About President Higgins

Sinn Féin has shut down a party Whatsapp group after one of its members used the term 'leprechaun' to describe President Michael D. Higgins, The Herald reports.

Ciaran Doherty, a party official in Finglas is alleged to have sent the words 'they could at least give the leprechaun a booster seat' into the group during a Presidential debate on RTÉ Radio One.

Councillor Anthony Connaghan is said to have responded to the comment with the words 'that's gas' before suggesting that the President's mic should be angled downward 'as it would be blocking his face'.

Connaghan has since apologised for his comment saying, 'Yesterday I commented in a Whatsapp conversation about a post that was inappropriate and offensive to President Higgins. I realise I was wrong to do this and I apologise to the President for any hurt caused.'

Sinn Féin has stated that it is still trying to determine the facts around the exchange.

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