Tory politician forced to apologise for calling Italians 'greasy wops' live on air

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

A Tory candidate at the next General Election was forced to apologise live on air after he likened Italians to 'greasy wops' during a radio show.

Alun Cairns, who is also a Welsh Assembly Member, made the gaffe while taking part on Radio Cymru's weekly discussion show Dau o'r Bae.

Towards the end of the show, contributors were asked to say who they would be supporting in the Euro 2008 tournament.

One mentioned she had written a note saying 'boring' next to Sweden and 'nice flag' next to Portugal on a list of teams.

When she added that she had written 'nice food' next to Italy in the list, Mr Cairns said: 'I've written greasy wops'.

Presenter Vaughan Roderick immediately invited the Tory politician to apologise, which he did, and the programme, ended.

Mr Cairns, who is described as a 'conviction politician and has a record of standing up for what he thinks is right' on his own website, was said to be regretful of the comment made on Friday.

A spokesman for the Welsh Conservative Party said: 'Alun apologised on air. He very much regrets making these comments and apologises to anyone who may have taken offence. The comments do not reflect his views on Italy or Italian people.'