Irish Prime Minister apologises after calling voters 'whingers'

Taoiseach Enda Kenny, from Fine Gael, said he was actually referring to his Fianna Fáil rivials

Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny (PA)

The Irish Prime Minister has apologised after calling voters “whingers”, it has been reported.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny made the remarks whilst canvassing this weekend for the upcoming general election. Mr Kenny described those who are constantly bemoaning like of economic opportunity in County Mayo as “whingers”. He said: “These people are All-Ireland champions when it comes to whinging,” The Irish Times reports.

When asked to clarify who he was referring to, he said: “Locals. Nothing to do with national politics at all. Obviously you get this all the time. Sometimes I find that people find it difficult to see any good anywhere anytime.”

Mr Kenny, leader of the Fine Gael party, said yesterday that the comments were not in fact directed at the electorate but at his political opponents Fianna Fáil. He said wished to “unreservedly withdraw” any offence caused by his remarks.

This Friday 26 February will see Ireland go to the polls to elect 158 representatives for the lower parliamentary chamber, Dáil Éireann. Most recent pollings indicate that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have equal support and are likely to form a coalition government.