Green Party leader Eamon Ryan has received backlash after saying the n-word while discussing an Irish boy's story of racism here.
During a Dail sitting today, Eamon Ryan used his speaking time to discuss racism in Ireland and called for more inclusiveness in the country.
And while mentioning the story of a young Irish person dealing with racism of "feeling othered", Ryan quoted the slur.
He said: "Again, in a newspaper today there was a young Irishman, Sean Gillane, giving his experience of being othered.
"From the age of six being given that name, you n*****.
"And explained that sense of how it completely undermines people.
"I know friends and relations of colour in this country and travellers and other minorities speak of the same experience. It's real."
There was an immediate backlash for the use of the full word, which some say should never be said.
TD Paul Murphy tweeted that the word is "rooted in brutality, violence and slavery" and condemned its use.
Social media users also "cancelled" the Green chief.
One user, Evan Pereira said: "Eamon Ryan's use of the n-word in the Dáil today, regardless of the context, is absolutely disgusting.
"I don't doubt any sincerity he had when speaking on the issue of racism in Irish society but the use of such a slur, in the Dáil chamber (or in any setting) is inexcusable."
Another user, Shubhangi Karmakar said: "I grew up called the N word because of my skin; white people, Indian people.
"I have never used it, and challenged family, strangers, people uneducated about it every time, even now hearing it from a white kid where I live.
"How on earth does he justify it?!"
Eamon Ryan responded to criticism in a statement posted online.
He said: "I made a speech in the Dáil today about the scourge of racism in our society.
"In quoting from an article I read this morning, I repeated a racial slur, and I was completely wrong to do so.
"I want to apologise for any hurt caused.
"I know this particular word should never be used."
