“Typical Indian” – House of Lords member references Taoiseach’s alleged troublesome behaviour

The former deputy leader of the UUP made headlines last year for suggesting that Donegal should join the United Kingdom.

Former Unionist MP John Taylor has commented on Leo Varadkar's alleged lack of manners as "typical Indian" behaviour. Taylor, who now goes by the title Lord Kilcooney, referenced the Taoiseach as such when replying to a BBC article posted by the broadcaster on social media. The article was in reference to hearsay that Varadkar has "poor manners", a claim made by DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson. https://twitter.com/KilclooneyJohn/status/990954166741856256 The former Cabinet minister's comment was met with disdain online, with a number of commenters calling his words "appalling" and "jealous." This isn't the first time the former MP has made comments regarding Varadkar's heritage. Back in November, Kilclooney referenced Varadkar as "the Indian" in a reply tweet to Irish journalist Hugh O'Connell. The tweet was in reference to a statement Simon Coveney had made to the Good Friday Agreement Committee. https://twitter.com/KilclooneyJohn/status/933758169117052929 Lord Kilclooney said the tweet was "not racist" but "shorthand for an Indian surname which I could not spell." The former UUP leader, a controversial character and active social media user, made headlines five months ago when he said that he believed Donegal should join the United Kingdom. Speaking to Ocean FM, the Lord said: "It would benefit from the block grant that we already enjoy in Northern Ireland, £10 billion a year we get." "It really is the hinterland of Northern Ireland and it would be great to have it back in with us."