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Labor leader Alan Kelly apologized after the appearance of a photo of him without a face mask while traveling on the Luas.
Independent.ie obtained an image of TD from Tipperary traveling on the Luas Green Line on Tuesday night. Pictured is Mr. Kelly without a face mask or covering.
The Labor leader apologized on Wednesday morning and said he was distracted while watching Manchester United’s Champions League game against RB Leipzig.
In a statement, Mr. Kelly said: “I am a strong supporter of all public health guidelines and rules, and I always strive to wear my mask when necessary. My history of asking for clear guidelines on wearing masks speaks for itself.
“While I was taking the Luas home last night, obviously without realizing it, I didn’t put the mask on for a while and I want to apologize for this mistake.
“I was distracted while watching the Man United game on my phone and adjusting the headphones at the same time.
“We all make mistakes. Sorry.”
The image has emerged the day after Kelly called on all TDs and senators to sign a Labor pledge to support the launch of the Covid vaccine, the public awareness campaign, and to take the Covid vaccine themselves.
Tipperary’s TD has been at the forefront of campaigns on various issues around Covid-19 and in recent weeks has challenged the government over its plans to roll out a vaccine, including calling for a vaccine minister.
He has been a staunch defender of face masks and has harshly criticized the last government for the “chronic disaster” in communications related to their use.
He told the Dáil in June: “No one should get on public transport without a mask, period. People must wear masks at points of sale to protect workers. They deserve respect and protection ”.
In October, he said the government needed to be clearer in asking the public to wear masks instead of visors.
“We have to communicate with the public and understand the difference between bloody goggles and proper masks. There is a big difference. I have stressed this for a week to the Taoiseach and the Minister of Health. We really have to deal with this and we have to practice what we preach here, ”he told Dáil.
Irish independent
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