Catherine Noone has issued an apology following reports of her describing Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as "autistic".
The Fine Gael Senator made the comment while out canvassing in Dublin ahead of the General Election on February 8, The Times has reported.
It came after the 46-year-old was questioned about her party's leader's performance on the Virgin Media debate with Fianna Fail's Micheal Martin.
After receiving backlash, Ms Noone has issued a statement saying she "unequivocally apologises" and withdraws the remarks she made.
She said: "I unequivocally apologise and withdraw all of my remarks, as reported by theTimes.ie, which were completely unacceptable.
"My choice of language was inexcusable and wrong. I am truly sorry.
"I will not be making any further comment."
While admitting that the Fine Gael leader was an "extremely bright... and decent guy" she said that there was "no doubt" that he is "on the spectrum".
When the comments were put to Noone by the publication, she said she did not mean the word literally.
Noone said: "I didn’t mean it in the sense of the actual illness or anything.
"I just mean he can be a bit wooden and lacking in empathy. I shouldn’t have even said it in that way."
Mr Varadkar was criticised for appearing to show a lack of empathy on the homelessness and health crisis.
However, during the debate the Taoiseach insisted: “I care about this country.
"I probably can’t put it into words as well as my opponent, but I do it with my actions.
"I show my empathy in the work I do, maybe I don’t say it in the right words."
