Ireland’s prime minister has apologized for his apparent reference to Bill Clinton’s affair with Monica Lewinsky in a speech in Washington.
Leo Varadkar speaks at the Washington Ireland Program and talks about his experience as an intern American Capital in 2000, during the presidency bill clinton.
Two years ago, news of the president’s affair with the White House shocked the world and eventually led to his impeachment trial.
In his speech today, the Irish leader joked that “some parents may be concerned about what happens to the interns in Washington” when he is interning in the US capital.
The comment drew some laughter in the room but was quickly dismissed as an embarrassing misstep, especially as the Clintons are due to visit Ireland next month as part of celebrations for the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday agreement.
A spokesman for Mr Varadkar later apologized to the traveling press corps.
“At today’s Washington Ireland Program event, the Prime Minister reflected on his experience as an intern in Washington DC 23 years ago.
“He made an off-the-cuff remark that was poorly judged, for which he regrets. He apologizes for any offense caused to anyone involved.”
Mr. Varadkar with Hillary Clinton He was at another event in Washington just hours before his comments.