Councillor sorry for McEntee insult

An outspoken Sinn Féin councillor has been forced to make an apology after insulting comments he made about newly-elected TD Helen McEntee and her grieving family.

Ms McEntee last month topped the poll in Meath East, a by-election which occurred following the suicide of her father, junior minister Shane McEntee.

Seamus Morris recently posted comments online about her running for the seat, saying: “Isn’t it amazing that the McEntee family can put their grief to one side to keep their snouts in the trough?”

The North Tipperary councillor initially refused to apologise, arguing that Ms McEntee would have heard worse from voters.

But yesterday he issued an apology through Sinn Féin, saying: “In relation to my statements regarding Helen McEntee, I realise that my comments were crass, inappropriate and lacking in compassion. I wish to apologise for those comments and would like to withdraw my remarks.”

Party leader Gerry Adams also criticised the councillor’s comments, saying: “I think that remark was entirely inappropriate.”

Ms McEntee has not yet formally taken her seat as a TD, as the Dáil has not met since her election. She will be formally introduced to the chamber when the Dáil reconvenes on Tuesday.