TÁNAISTE Leo Varadkar has defended the timing of his comments he made about a united Ireland happening in his lifetime.
The party leader drew some criticism about the timing of his remarks made at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis last week.
Mr Varadkar said there were "people in this state" who would always be uncomfortable with the discussion.
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis also said he was surprised by Mr Varadkar's remarks and urged politicians "to dial down the rhetoric, particularly at this time of year".
Mr Varadkar said while he took on board criticism there would always be those "uncomfortable talking about unification".
"It was the wrong time during the three years of Brexit because of those negotiations," he told RTE yesterday.
"It was the wrong time this week because of the difficulties the DUP was having.
"It'll be the wrong time for the next few months because of negotiations around the protocol and the marching season.
"It'll be the wrong time next year because we're running into the assembly elections and it'll be there wrong time after that.
"For those people, including some in my own party, who are uncomfortable talking about unification, they will always be uncomfortable," he said.
Speaking on Saturday meanwhile Mr Vardakar dismissed claims by the Loyalist Communities Council (LCC) that Irish government ministers are not welcome in the north.
Mr Varadkar was speaking after the umbrella group issued a statement.
Set up in 2015 the LCC includes the representatives of the UVF, UDA and Red Hand Commando.
Mr Varadkar later insisted Irish government officials will continue to travel north.
"With the greatest respect to them, I don't think the Loyalist Community Council decides who's welcome in Northern Ireland and who isn't.
"I've always felt welcome in Northern Ireland, I was there last week, in Co Fermanagh and I felt very welcome.
"Irish government ministers will continue to travel to Northern Ireland to engage with people from all backgrounds."
UUP leader Doug Beattie urged the LCC to have a "positive influence".
“Yet again unionism finds itself on the back foot because a statement from the LCC sets an unwelcoming and menacing tone," he said.
"If the LCC wants to have a positive influence, they should be surrounded by community groups, women’s and young people’s forums, residents groups, sporting clubs and local business representatives - not paramilitaries."
