''This is a setback for unity and a setback for reconciliation''.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has described the decision to defer a commemoration for the Royal Irish Constabulary is a set back for a united Ireland.
But ultimately he thinks it was the right call to postpone the event, which was due to take place later this month.
''It is my deep regret that this week embracing that shared history moving towards a united Ireland feels to be a little bit further away than it was before,'' he said.
''And I regret that this is a setback for unity and a setback for reconciliation''.
Meanwhile Enterprise Minister believes it was a good idea to postpone a commemoration for the RIC, but insists it should be held at some stage.
Heather Humphreys said the event was 'never about the Black and Tans' after the Justice Minister deferred the plans following a backlash.
The Minister said there was a lot of misinformation about what the commemoration was about.
''It was certainly never about commemorating anything to do with the Black and Tans,'' she said.
''What it was about was remembering the Irish men that lost their lives while they were working for the RIC and it's important that we remember all Irish lives that were lost''.
