TD sorry for 2009 Obama costume using brown make-up

Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes has apologised for what he said was a "completely inappropriate" Halloween costume he wore 16 years ago when he wore brown make-up to dress up as former US President Barack Obama.

In a statement tonight, Mr Hayes said that he had been informed that a news outlet had obtained photographs of him and intended to publish them.

He said that in 2009, when he was President of UCC Students Union, he wore "brown makeup" on his face and hands as part of his Barack Obama costume.

The Dublin Bay South deputy said he did not understand how hurtful this was at the time and he said he now understood that this was "completely inappropriate and a huge mistake".

A party spokesperson told RTÉ News that "the Social Democrats abhor all forms of racism".

"Deputy Hayes has acknowledged that what he did was wrong, offensive and hurtful. He has taken full responsibility for his actions and issued an unreserved apology," the spokesperson added.

He said he took full responsibility for his actions and apologised for any hurt caused.

Mr Hayes was readmitted to the party in July following a seven-month suspension.

This was caused by his supplying incorrect information on when he sold his shares in his former employer Palantir Technologies.

The revelation comes just ahead of the Social Democrats pre-Dáil think-in in Dublin tomorrow when party leader Holly Cairns returns from maternity leave.