The bishop noted that Pope Francis has asked people to pray for political leaders as they seek the common good, and to be courageous in caring for people on the margins, those whose life needs special protection, and all who are vulnerable.

Fr Peter McVerry said it is because of their safety and comradeship that so many people who are homeless elect to live in tents.

Clonmel parish priest told Leo Varadkar that he personally found the comment “extremely offensive and derogatory” and he urged him to retract it.

“Tony Bromell will always have a special place in the history of Mary Immaculate College” – Bishop Brendan Leahy.