EU Commissioner Phil Hogan issues new statement on Clifden controversy

The EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan has said he has listened carefully to Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar asking him to consider his position.

"I have been reporting to the President of the European Commission on all these matters in recent days," he said.

Mr. Hogan has offered his 'fulsome and profound apology' for attending the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner for 81 people in Clifden last Wednesday.

In a statement, Mr Hogan apologised to healthcare workers and to all the people who have lost loved ones during the pandemic.

"I wish to apologise fully and unreservedly for attending the Oireachtas golf society dinner on Wednesday night last.

"I want, in particular, to apologise to the wonderful healthcare workers, who continue to put their lives on the line to combat Covid-19 and all people who have lost loved ones during this pandemic.

"I acknowledge my actions have touched a nerve for the people of Ireland, something for which I am profoundly sorry," he said.

"I realise fully the unnecessary stress, risk and offence caused to the people of Ireland by my attendance at such an event, at such a difficult time for all, and I am extremely sorry for this.

"I acknowledge that the issue is far bigger than compliance with rules and regulations and adherence to legalities and procedures. All of us must display solidarity as we try to stamp out this common plague.

"I thus offer this fulsome and profound apology, at this difficult time for all people, as the world as a whole combats Covid-19.

"I spoke to both the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste yesterday and I have listened carefully to their views, which I respect. I have been reporting to the President of the European Commission on all these matters in recent days," he said.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said Phil Hogan's position is untenable.

She stated it would be unacceptable if he stays in office when the Irish government has lost confidence in him.

Fine Gael leader, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, said Phil Hogan needs to account for his movements since returning from Brussels and attending the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner in Clifden.

A spokesperson for Mr. Hogan told RTÈ Radio at 2 p.m. today that he is not resigning.