A member of the country's newest politicial party says tweets he sent last night were a "stupid mistake'.
During an online conversation, Shane Dunphy claimed that 'sexuality is a lifestyle choice - in tweets that he's since deleted.
The Renua Ireland candidate has since confessed that it was his first day on Twitter, and has apologised for any offence.
Mr. Dunphy said "I do not believe that sexuality is a lifestyle choice. It was a very, very thoughtless and offensive thing to say".
"I do believe that people are born gay or straight, and that people should be respected in whatever their sexuality is. I'm absolutely sorry", he added.
Okay - I have deleted tweet. It was a terribly misworded and offensive tweet that makes no sense. Day 1 on twitter, lesson leant.
— Shane Dunphy (@dunphyshane1) March 19, 2015
