Cardinal says he holds Empy in high regards

Cardinal Desmond Connell has said the comments he made about about his his Church of Ireland counterpart, Walton Empey were not intended to denigrate.

He has also apologised for the remarks he made about Trinity College.

In a published interview earlier today Cardinal Connell said Archbishop Empey would not have much theological competence and would not be regarded as a high flier.

In a statement the Cardinal tried to clarify those remarks by saying he held Walton Empey in the highest regard and regretted the impression the earlier remarks had made.

The Cardinal also said in the interview that Trinity College had insulted him and the City of Dublin by inviting Walton Empey as the guest of honour to a conferral and awarding him an honourary degree.

Dr Connell said that these remarks are all in the past and the impressions given inaccurate.