Statement by TUV chairman Cusher councillor Keith Ratcliffe:
“Leo Varadkar’s claim that he has a perfect right to comment on the constitutional status of Northern Ireland because the Prime Minister describes himself as a Unionist is utterly bizarre.
“There is a fundamental difference between a foreign government seeking to claim part of another nation’s sovereign territory and the head of government saying they wish to maintain the unity of their own country.
“Varadkar seems to believe that he has a right to say whatever he wishes to drive his all Ireland agenda. We all recall how he used the threat of IRA bombs when pushing for the Irish Sea Border.
“One hopes that Varadkar’s comments will result in Unionists redoubling their efforts to resist his agenda to ensure that Northern Ireland remains within the EU’s embrace.”