Leo’s own goal hard to Trump

WORLD Cup fans are unlikely to witness as spectacular an own goal as the one scored by the Taoiseach in New York.

Leo Varadkar and the Tanaiste, with Bono in tow, went to the US to mount a PR blitz in a bid to win a seat on the UN Security Council.

All appeared to be going well until the Taoiseach let it be known he sympathised with Donald Trump’s views on the media.

What was supposed to be a charm offensive ended up being just offensive.

The Taoiseach should have been returning home in triumph but instead was in the Dail explaining why he was sympathising with Mr Trump’s dangerous views on the media.

At first Mr Varadkar’s handlers claimed he had been quoted out of context at a private lunch but the fact is he should not have said he sympathised with the US president’s views.

His apology to the Dail, claiming he regrets if anyone thinks he does not support a free press, also leaves a lot to be desired.

What he should have said is he deeply sorry for siding with Mr Trump’s views on the media.

This is the second own goal by the Taoiseach in recent months involving the US leader.

Last March he claimed he intervened to obtain planning permission for Mr Trump’s Irish golf resort.

Mr Varadkar’s difficulty with the media means it is doing its job and will be ready to report should the Taoiseach go for his hat-trick.