Alun Cairns AM has stepped down as Tory education spokesman in the Welsh Assembly after describing Italians as "greasy wops".
He issued this statement:
"I very much regret the remarks and wish to apologise once again for the offence they may have caused. I have the utmost respect for Italy and Italian people but accept that my comments, no matter how inadvertent, were unacceptable. I support all efforts to tackle xenophobia and racism and will continue to promote equality and tolerance.”
Mr Cairns was adopted for one of the Conservatives' most winnable seats in Wales nearly one year ago.
BBC reported the original incident:
"Alun Cairns apologised immediately for the "inappropriate" comments made during a weekly political discussion programme on BBC Radio Cymru. Contributors had been asked to say who they would be supporting during the Euro 2008 tournament. Mr Cairns also stepped down as chair of the assembly's finance committee. During the programme, Dau o'r Bae (or Two From The Bay), on Friday one contributor mentioned she had written a note saying "boring" next to Sweden, and "nice flag" next to Portugal on a list of teams. When she added that she had written "nice food" next to Italy in the list, Mr Cairns said: "I've written greasy wops." Presenter Vaughan Roderick immediately invited the Tory politician to apologise, which he did, and the programme ended."
