Fine Gael’s Josepha Madigan has apologised for a tweet she wrote and then deleted in the aftermath of the Creeslough tragedy. 

As news of the tragedy broke, the Minister of State for Special Inclusion tweeted, “One hopes this isn't deliberate, but it is yet to be clarified! I hope no-one is injured and they find the culprits.”

10 people died in the explosion at the Applegreen petrol station and Ms Madigan’s reaction was criticised as insensitive. 

Speaking to The Hard Shoulder, the Dublin Rathdown TD said she regretted what she had written. 

“First of all, I shouldn’t have sent the tweet,” she said.  

“I was wrong and I want to sincerely apologise for not just sending the tweet but also for the offence caused as a result. I am terribly sorry for that. 

“I also want to offer my heartfelt condolences to the entire Creeslough community but especially to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones. 

“It’s an unimaginable tragedy that was visited on the people in Donegal and my heart goes out to all of those affected by this absolutely shocking event.” 

An Garda Síochána believe the explosion was an accident.

Main image: Josepha Madigan. Picture by: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland