Gilmore: Noonan emigration comments 'misinterpreted'
The Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has said he understands why people would have been offended by comments from Michael Noonan on emigration, but said they have been mis-interpreted.
The Finance Minister is under fire for suggesting people were leaving Ireland for a "lifestyle choice".
There have been calls for the Minister to apologise and withdraw the remarks.
The Tánaiste has said he knows the reality of why people are leaving the country.
Mr Gilmore said: "I think his comments have been mis-interpreted and I think the reality is that people who emigrate - some emigrate by reason of choice, that's fair enough - but there are very many people for whom emigration has not been a choice but has been as a result of the fact that they cannot get employment here."
