McDonald latest to criticise Kenny over Pope behaviour

on 25/09/2012 15:05:13

Sinn Féin have become the latest party to criticise the Taoiseach after he seemed more concerned with something on his mobile phone than listening to Pope Benedict last weekend.

A video of a delegation including Enda Kenny that met the Pontiff near Rome, shows him using his phone at times throughout the speech.

At the end of the clip, when other leaders stand and applaud, the Taoiseach continues to use his phone.

Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald says Mr Kenny can't be so disrespectful: "I haven't seen the video. I have heard reports he was manipulating his mobile phone during this encounter.

"It seems to me that it wasn't terribly courteous and I think when you present yourself at a meeting, with a figurehead or a head of state or indeed a religious leader the least you could do is pay attention."