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Tory apology for Euro 2008 insult Tory quits posts over Italy slur
(about 3 hours later)
A leading Conservative Welsh assembly member has apologised after he likened Italians to "greasy wops" during a live radio show. A leading Conservative Welsh assembly member has resigned as the party's education spokesman after likening Italians to "greasy wops".
Alun Cairns, the party's education spokesman, made the comment while taking part on BBC Radio Cymru's weekly political discussion programme. Alun Cairns apologised immediately for the "inappropriate" comments made during a weekly political discussion programme on BBC Radio Cymru.
He made the gaffe while contributors were asked to say who they would be supporting in the Euro 2008 tournament. Contributors had been asked to say who they would be supporting during the Euro 2008 tournament.
A spokesman for the Welsh Conservatives said Mr Cairns regretted the comment. 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.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."When she added that she had written "nice food" next to Italy in the list, Mr Cairns said: "I've written greasy wops."
He very much regrets making these comments and apologises to anyone who may have taken offence Welsh Conservative Party spokesman I have the utmost respect for Italy and Italian people but accept that my comments, no matter how inadvertent, were unacceptable Alun Cairns AM
Presenter Vaughan Roderick immediately invited the Tory politician to apologise, which he did, and the programme ended.Presenter Vaughan Roderick immediately invited the Tory politician to apologise, which he did, and the programme ended.
Mr Cairns, who is standing at the next general election and described himself on his own website as a "conviction politician and has a record of standing up for what he thinks is right" was said to regret the comment. In a statement on Saturday afternoon, Mr Cairns, the South Wales West AM resigned as shadow education spokesman and chair of the assembly's finance committee.
A spokesman for the Welsh Conservative Party said: "Alun apologised on air. He very much regrets making these comments and apologises to anyone who may have taken offence. Italy are struggling to qualify for the quarter final stages of Euro 2008 "In light of the inappropriate comments I made yesterday regarding Italy I believe I can no longer continue in these roles in the national assembly," he said.
"The comments do not reflect his views on Italy or Italian people." "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."
Welsh Conservative leader Nick Bourne AM said he had accepted the resignation.
"While his comments were completely out of character they were unacceptable," said Mr Bourne.
"Alun is a long-serving, hard working, and well-respected politician but knows his comments were inappropriate and regrettable."
Italy are struggling to qualify for the quarter final stages of Euro 2008
He said the Conservatives would not tolerate any form of discrimination.
Mr Cairns, who is standing at the next general election, described himself on his own website as a "conviction politician and has a record of standing up for what he thinks is right"
Former Labour cabinet minister Ron Davies, who is now the director of the Valleys Race Equality Council, said he would invite Mr Cairns to join their annual meeting next month.Former Labour cabinet minister Ron Davies, who is now the director of the Valleys Race Equality Council, said he would invite Mr Cairns to join their annual meeting next month.
"He can witness first hand the work we do and meet people who work in the front line of combating racism and xenophobia," said Mr Davies."He can witness first hand the work we do and meet people who work in the front line of combating racism and xenophobia," said Mr Davies.
He said unfortunately what turns out to be a genuine attempt at humour could also be interpreted as giving "an insight into darker thinking."He said unfortunately what turns out to be a genuine attempt at humour could also be interpreted as giving "an insight into darker thinking."