The DUP's Gregory Campbell has refused to apologise for his recent controversial comments in relation to the Irish language and has said he would do the very same again.
Earlier this month, he made fun of Sinn Féin culture minister Carál Ní Chuilín in the Stormont parliament with the words: "curry my yoghurt can coca coal yer" as a parody of "Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle."
Speaking to RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta today, Mr Campbell said he was "not against those who use the language but those who abuse the language".
He criticised Sinn Féin members who start and end their contributions in Irish when speaking in the Northern Assembly.
Mr Campbell said it is not appropriate to use the language in debates in the parliament unless the debate relates to it.
He referenced MPs from Scotland and Wales who are equally committed to their languages but refrain from speaking them when in Westminster.
Mr Campbell said he cannot see how what he said was offensive and said that anyone who thought so needed a "humour bypass" as it was just a joke.
He said he was not in support of a language act for Northern Ireland and added that the Irish language was very well catered for.
Language groups throughout Northern Ireland have strongly criticised the comments, saying they are highly insulting and would be considered racist if directed towards any other culture.
Yesterday, Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan said he "deplored" Mr Campbell's comments.
On Saturday, Mr Campbell repeated his mockery of Irish during a speech to the DUP's annual conference near Belfast.
