‘I never said that’ - Eoin Hayes clashes with Taoiseach in aftermath of 'blackface' controversy

Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes clashed with the Taoiseach in his first public appearance since the blackface controversy erupted.

Despite being absent from his party’s ‘think-in’ on Tuesday, Deputy Hayes was present as the Dáil resumed on Wednesday following the summer break.

The Dublin Bay South TD raised the issue of child poverty, citing an ERSI report in saying that one in every five children in Ireland are now living in poverty, when housing costs are taken into account.

Addressing the Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Deputy Hayes said: “The Taoiseach said earlier that he is committed to employment and economically sustainable finances but what good is employment if it is the most unequal market income in the developed world?

“Will the Taoiseach and his sub-committee outline the targeted approach to child poverty, including housing?

“Will he acknowledge the devastating role his housing policies, that he has voted for over the previous decade, have played in escalating child poverty?”

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Responding to Deputy Hayes, the Taoiseach said that the Social Democrats “specialise in articulating that life in Ireland is miserable”.

After that, a back and forth ensued, with Hayes insisting that he “never said that” and that the Taoiseach was putting words in his mouth.

Meanwhile, Mr Martin went on: “What he is saying is that everything has doubled. He said it is the most unequal employment market in the world at a time when we had 500,000 extra jobs in five years.

“All I am saying is that we should have a bit of balance. I know the Deputy might be a bit, you know - but he should take it handy. A bit of balance would be appropriate in terms of the different narratives.”

“We have a lot of things to do. I have always acknowledged that,” the Taoiseach concluded. Deputy Hayes then accused Mr Martin of “not answering the question”.

On Tuesday, the Irish Daily Mail published photos of Deputy Hayes dressed up as Barack Obama at a Halloween party in 2009.

He has received widespread backlash since the photos emerged, with his own party leader, Holly Cairns, describing the costume as “racist” and “indefensible”.