Varadkar defiant over media stance

The Taoiseach has confirmed he told a private event in New York that he has “sympathy” with US president Donald Trump and his criticism of the media.

Mr Varadkar was forced to ask his party last night for “forbearance” after the fall-out over his remarks. But he remains defiant about his right to censure the media.

Ministers privately say that his remarks to a private lunch in New York this week were “unfortunate and silly”, but also reflected a view among Cabinet about negative coverage in the media.