A SINN Féin councillor has apologised after describing Bangor as a "s***hole".
Naomi Bailie, a former mayor of Newry, Mourne and Down council, said her remarks about the seaside town were "inappropriate".
Her comments made on Facebook on Saturday followed a visit to the Co Down town which coincided with a Junior Orange parade.
She wrote: "I will never in my life again go near that s***hole that is Bangor. Thought, nice weather, ice cream, pop up market, I'll go for a wee walk here along the marina and have a look at the stalls knowing that Mange Tout Deli Downpatrick were going to be there.
"Disaster! What should have been a lovely day for everyone just turned into a KultureFest session!
"No surprise there then I hear you say! Well done Ards and North Down Council on yet another expedition of how not to do things for the whole community."
Following criticism of the outburst, Ms Bailie (31) tweeted yesterday: "The comments I made earlier in the week about Bangor were inappropriate and I withdraw them unreservedly."
The tweet added: "Sending this now."
Ulster Unionist MLA Alan Chambers was among those who criticised Ms Bailie, claiming she had "a problem with anyone who does not fit into her limited world view".
"She is a member of a party which is fond of lecturing the rest of us about respect and equality, yet cannot abide the sight of a Junior Orange parade."
He added that "if she never goes near Bangor again as she's promised, I doubt the people of Bangor will feel they are missing out on very much and I’m fairly confident that Bangor will survive".
