Online abuse by Fine Gael member is ‘unacceptable’

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has declared that “nasty” slurs targetting women online by a senior Fine Gael figure are “not acceptable” and debate should be conducted in a responsible way.

An actor has joined TDs in making complaints about party national executive member Barry Walsh, who called women “stupid” and “bitches” and is facing possible suspension from Fine Gael.

Mr Varadkar criticised the abusive tweets, which Fine Gael Dublin Bay South TD Kate O’Connell formally complained about to party chiefs.