Bertie Ahern migration comments ’caused hurt and harm’, Tánaiste says

Simon Harris said he 'deplores' any abuse suffered by any candidate and that Mr Ahern's comments were 'not appropriate'

Taoiseach Micheal Martin (right) speaks to former taoiseach Bertie Ahern. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

It is “never acceptable” to make comments on migration about a group of people based on their race, ethnicity or religion, the Tánaiste has said.

Simon Harris was reacting to comments about Africans and Muslims made by former taoiseach Bertie Ahern which were circulated in a social media video.