A NORTHERN Irish politician said he would not resign after saying he needed subtitles to comprehend a Sinn Fein councillor originally from Scotland.
SDLP councillor Jimmy Carr issued an apology over the comments on Facebook following a Derry City Council debate over funding for the restoration of murals.
He said he could not understand Sinn Fein councillor Eric McGinley, 48, who was born in Paisley. Sinn Fein said the comments were racist and have called for Mr Carr's resignation.
Earlier, Sinn Fein voted in favour of awarding a grant of £45,000 to the Bogside Artists. But the SDLP had wanted a grant of £200,000 for the group.
Mr Carr then posted a comment on the Bogside Artists Facebook page: "Jimmy Carr. The history of Derry according to Sinn Fein. And what makes it all the more sickening is the shinner who put forward the proposal to block is a Scotch man! Subtitles needed!"
Two hours after a radio interview in which he defended his stance, saying he was only stating "a matter of fact", Mr Carr issued an "unreserved" apology to Cllr McGinley.
During a radio interview Mr Carr said: "I've been called a racist for saying this when all I said was I didn't understand a man.
"It was said in a tongue-in-cheek sort of way, just like I would say if I didn't understand somebody from Ballymagroarty or somebody from Galliagh.
"I'm entitled to voice my opinion, it's freedom of speech."
He added Sinn Fein had were using this to "distract from the real issue".
Mr McGinley, who moved to Derry 19 years ago, has not commented on the issue.
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