Sinn Fein suspends Paddy Holohan
COUNCILLOR Paddy Holohan has been been suspended from Sinn Fein following comments he made on his podcast.
Earlier this week, Mr Holohan faced criticism for comments he made on two separate episodes of his podcast, No Shame.
Cllr Paddy Holohan
Speaking on his podcast, Mr Holohan said he believes the country should be run by a “family man” and that Leo Varadkar was “separated” from the history of Ireland because of his Indian heritage.
In a tweet issued on Thursday, Mr Holohan said that his comments were “misinterpreted”.
He said: “I would like to take a minute to address comments that were made on my podcast.
“Firstly, I would like to apologies as my comments may have offended people as I of course did not intend to do so.
“My comments have been misinterpreted and not in any way meant the way they have been portrayed.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, Sinn Fein said that the comments did not represent the views of the party, and that Mr Holohan should apologise and withdraw the remarks.
Speaking to national press on Thursday night, Mr Varadkar said he accepted Cllr Holohan’s apology.
However, this afternoon, Sinn Fein announced that Mr Holohan has been suspended from the party, following further alleged comments he made on his podcast about women.
Speaking to the press on Friday, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said: “I have moved to the party’s disciplinary procedures, all of that matter is now in hand, and disciplinary action will be taken.
“Obviously the comments themselves are offensive, they are beyond offensive.
“I actually find them upsetting.
“I’m very, very shocked at the comments made and the party’s disciplinary procedure is now activated.”
In a tweet issued at lunchtime today, Sinn Fein confirmed that Mr Holohan has been suspended.
“Paddy Holohan has been suspended from Sinn Fein with immediate effect and a disciplinary process has been initiated”, the Sinn Fein tweet read.
