Leo Varadkar left red faced after wrongly claiming Sinn Fein has no Protestant TDs

Mr. Varadkar made the comments on RTÉ Radio 1 programme 'News at One' on Wednesday.

The Fine Gael leader was answering a question concerning Irish unity and Sinn Fein

"Sinn Fein is an obstacle to Irish unity," declared Teachta Varadkar.

"They are sectarian, still very anti-British and they have no Protestant TDs, MLAs and Senators," he added.

Sinn Fein TD and Protestant, Violet-anne Wynne, responded immediately.

"Leo Varadkar's constant attempts to score political points by spouting untruths and trying to demonise political opponents is getting tiresome," said Teachta Wynne.

"While nobody in Sinn Féin has ever made an issue of my religious views, it is not acceptable for the Tánaiste to do so.

"On national radio today, he said there are no Protestant TDs in our party. That is a lie.

"I am a Protestant and I am proud to be a Sinn Féin TD.

"The Tánaiste should immediately withdraw and apologise for his hurtful remarks."

Mr. Varadkar responded to Ms. Wynne by tweeting: "I was not aware of that. I stand corrected," he said.