INDEPENDENT TD MICK Wallace has defended remarks he made on social media about the Paris attacks that killed over 120 people, saying he in no way condones the actions of terrorist groups such as Isis.
Posting on Twitter last night, the Wexford TD said: “So terrible for the victims, but when is France going to stop [its] role in the militarisation of the planet?”
The tweet was met with heavy criticism on social media with a large majority of responses taking issue with its timing.
Fine Gael TD Regina Doherty called it the “most inhumane response to such a loss of life”, while her colleague Jerry Buttimer described it as “very disappointing”.
Former USI president Joe O’Connor wrote: “Shocking lack of grace, sensitivity and compassion.”
Clare Daly TD was also criticised after sharing the post in a tweet that read: “Tragedy beyond belief… everyone’s thoughts with victims but it’s always the right time to ask why or it will go on.”
But Wallace told RTÉ’s Saturday with Claire Byrne show this afternoon that he doesn’t regret his remarks.
“I don’t say things lightly. I feel very strongly about [the issue],” he said.
Wallace added that he was shocked by last night’s attacks, calling them “completely unjustifiable”.
“It was an inhumane act… It’s too bad for words,” he said.
“Under no circumstances do I condone the likes of Isis.
“It’s just horrific. It hardly bears thinking about… And all the people who died are so innocent of anything that’s going on.”
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