'I probably let my guard down': Tánaiste apologies for attendance at Zappone function

Varadkar apologises to hospitality industry for the confusion — but insists Merrion event didn't breach regulations or guidelines

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has apologised to the hospitality industry and said the scandal over the event at the Merrion Hotel had become 'a distraction'.

The Tánaiste has apologised to the hospitality industry and says he regrets attending a controversial outdoor party in Dublin last month.

Fáilte Ireland was forced to issue new guidelines for bars and restaurants after it emerged that Leo Varadkar attended a private outdoor party thrown by former children's minister Katherine Zappone at Dublin's Merrion Hotel.