Green Party Leader Condemned For Use Of Language In Dáil Chamber

Green Party leader Eamon Ryan has apologised for using the n-word in the Dáil.

But some of his party councillors have expressed disappointment saying it's not behaviour fit for a party leader.

Eamon Ryan used his Dáil time this afternoon to raise the issue of racism in Ireland, saying it needs to be tackled in all its forms.

But he then stunned the chamber, while quoting an article.

It's 16 years since the n-word was used in the Dáil and it drew immediate criticism.

An hour and a half later Eamon Ryan tweeted an apology - saying it was completely wrong to repeat the slur and that he knows the word shouldn't be used.

Some of his party councillors have issued statements condemning his speech.

Cllr Daniel Whooley said no parliamentarian who invokes such words should lead an Irish political party.

Cllr Peter Kavanagh welcomed the apology, but said the Green Party can't just draw a line under the issue and move on as though nothing happened.

Both have previously publicly supported Catherine Martin's leadership challenge.

But even allies of Eamon Ryan say it was a mistake that should never have happened.

And some in the Green Party believe it ends any hope he had of holding on to the party leadership.