Family Affairs Minister backs Taoiseach in row over Celia

The Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs has backed the Taoiseach in the controversy over the appearance of the name of his partner, Celia Larkin, on an official Government invite to a function in honour of Cardinal Connell.

Several members of the clergy refused to attend the event as a result of the invite. Minister Dermot Ahern, who is no relation to the Taoiseach, said that people should consider the personal feelings of the Taoiseach and Ms Larkin.

"We are a republic and the Taoiseach and Celia are not king and queen," he said. "It's easy to say 'it shouldn't have happened', but you have to think about the feelings of those involved".