Enda Kenny faces backlash after calling his constituents 'whingers'

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has been forced to defend describing some people in his home town as “All-Ireland whingers” who “wouldn’t know sunshine if they saw it”.

The Fine Gael leader is facing a backlash over his comments amid opposition claims that they showed “arrogance” and a reluctance to recognise that the recovery has not spread to all parts of the country.

However, Fine Gael has insisted he was referring to rival politicians in the area and not voters themselves — despite the Taoiseach failing to clarify the situation himself yesterday afternoon.