Sinn Fein man gloats over Northern Ireland's Euro 2016 defeat

Councillor Enda Fanning, who represents Templeogue-Terenure in Dublin, referred to Northern Ireland as the ‘GSTQ’ers’ or God Save the Queeners, as he congratulated Wales on their 1-0 victory in Paris.

He finished his tweet by claiming supporters would “probably try kicking off again later in Belfast”.

After being widely criticised on Twitter, Mr Fanning appeared to apologise, tweeting: “Jeez, folks, earlier tweet was meant to be funny. Obviously misfired. Apols.”

However, in a reply to one user who had criticised him, Mr Fanning suggested that he would even support England if they were playing Northern Ireland.

“I wouldnt support ni against england myself. Mightnt suit your dictatorial world but there you go. A redner. Haw haw haw.”

Leading the criticism of Mr Fanning was Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie who tweeted: “What a pathetically sad tweet & sad individual. Good luck #Ire tomorrow & #Eng on Monday.”

Mr Fanning’s tweets contrasted with the attitude of Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, who had earlier tweeted: “Two big games coming for Michael & Martin O’Neill,their teams & fans.Hoping both will make it to the #EURO2016 Quarter-Finals.Good Luck.”