Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that comments made by his partner, Matthew Barrett, during the coronation of Britain's King Charles were never intended to become public.
Mr Barrett issued an apology on Twitter this afternoon, saying: "On reflection, poor judgment on my part. Unreservedly apologise for any offence caused."
The Taoiseach and his partner attended the coronation in London on Saturday 6 May. President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina also attended the event.
It was the first time that Irish leaders attended a coronation.
Mr Barrett posted remarks on social media during the event, which were criticised in both the Irish and British media.
Coronation attendees had been asked to turn off their mobile phones. However, Mr Barrett was reported to have posted comments and photographs to his Instagram account from within Westminster Abbey.
Asked in Limerick today if Mr Barrett should apologise for the comments he made before and during the ceremony, Mr Varadkar said that his partner is "a private individual".
"They were private messages sent on his private account, he never intended them to go public, but that happens sometimes," Mr Varadkar said.
"We've spoken about it and it won't happen again," added Mr Varadkar.
