Leo Varadkar recalled Doonbeg story ‘incorrectly’

The Taoiseach has faced the embarrassment of having to “clarify” comments that he contacted Clare County Council on behalf of Donald Trump on a planning matter, claiming he remembered it incorrectly.

Leo Varadkar came under fierce criticism on Thursday after suggesting he lobbied the local authority to deny planning permission to a proposed wind farm close to Mr Trump’s Doonbeg resort.

Speaking at the annual Speakers Lunch in Washington, Mr Varadkar said he had received a call from Mr Trump as tourism minister, and contacted Clare County Council to enquire about the proposed development.