Lenihan under pressure to apologise for ‘kebab’ gaffe

MINISTER for Overseas Development Conor Lenihan is this morning under pressure to meet Gama workers to personally apologise for calling them “kebabs” in the Dáil yesterday.

Lenihan under pressure to apologise for ‘kebab’ gaffe
Thu, 19 May, 2005 - 01:00
Michael O’Farrell,  Political Reporter

In a throwaway remark, aimed at Socialist Party leader Joe Higgins, Mr Lenihan interrupted a heated exchange on the sale of Aer Lingus telling Mr Higgins to “stick with the kebabs”.

The ill-conceived remark was immediately seized upon as an insult to Turkish people and a racist slur against Gama workers.

You have reached your article limit. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Unlimited access starts here.

Try from only €0.25 a day.

Cancel anytime

CONNECT WITH US TODAY

Whatsapp logo

WHATSAPP

Newsletter logo

NEWSLETTERS

Notification logo

NOTIFICATIONS

Be the first to know the latest news and updates

More in this section

‘I’ve lived here my whole life but still fell through the cracks’ ‘I’ve lived here my whole life but still fell through the cracks’
Bealtaine Fire Festival Bealtaine celebrations take place on the Hill of Uisneach in Co Westmeath
Drug intimidation 'pervasive' across all counties – report Drug intimidation 'pervasive' across all counties – report
CourtsPoliticsPlace: TurkeyPerson: LenihanPerson: Joe HigginsPerson: HigginsPerson: Minister of StatePerson: BakiPerson: Conor LenihanPerson: Rosanna FlynnPerson: Philip WattPerson: Eric FlemingPerson: Fergus O’DowdPerson: Emmet StaggOrganisation: DáilOrganisation: Department of Foreign AffairsOrganisation: Turkish Workers Action GroupOrganisation: TWAGOrganisation: GamaOrganisation: Residents Against RacismOrganisation: Government racismOrganisation: National Consultative Committee on Racism and InterculturalismOrganisation: SIPTUOrganisation: Fine GaelOrganisation: HouseOrganisation: Taoiseach
<p>Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan at Fianna Fáil’s annual Sean Lemass Commemoration on Sunday, May 10 2026. At the graveside of the former Taoiseach in Deansgrange Cemetery, Dun Laoghaire. (Bairbre Holmes/PA)</p>

Minister mulling plan for payments to Ukrainian refugees after they return home

READ NOW

Lunchtime News

Newsletter

Get a lunch briefing straight to your inbox at noon daily. Also be the first to know with our occasional Breaking News emails.

Latest

Most Read

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited