The Irish Times journalist Kevin Myers has issued an unconditional apology for his remarks in the paper's Irishman's Diary column earlier this week.
In the column Mr Myers referred to unmarried mothers as mothers of 'bastards'.
In his column published today, Mr Myers said he bitterly regretted clouding an issue of major importance in Irish life by using provocative, ill-thought-out and confrontational language.
He said he had deliberately used the word 'bastard' because he genuinely felt there was no stigma attached to it. But he said he had not allowed for other people's sensitivities and had been wrong.
The journalist said that by unintentionally insulting so many people, he lost both his audience and the argument.
In an editorial today, the Irish Times said it regrets the offence caused.
Meanwhile Dr Edward Walsh, the President Emeritus of the University of Limerick who sparked debate on the issue of lone parenthood last week, has distanced himself from Mr Myers' comments.
Dr Walsh said the journalist's choice of words was mischievous and most unhelpful, and introduced all sorts of emotion into an area where prudent people would speak sensitively and carefully.
