Tory politician forced to apologise for calling Italians 'greasy wops' live on air

A Tory candidate at the next General Election was forced to apologise live on air after he likened Italians to 'greasy wops' during a radio show.

Alun Cairns, who is also a Welsh Assembly Member, made the gaffe while taking part on Radio Cymru's weekly discussion show Dau o'r Bae.

Towards the end of the show, contributors were asked to say who they would be supporting in the Euro 2008 tournament.

One mentioned she had written a note saying 'boring' next to Sweden and 'nice flag' next to Portugal on a list of teams.

When she added that she had written 'nice food' next to Italy in the list, Mr Cairns said: 'I've written greasy wops'.

Presenter Vaughan Roderick immediately invited the Tory politician to apologise, which he did, and the programme, ended.

Mr Cairns, who is described as a 'conviction politician and has a record of standing up for what he thinks is right' on his own website, was said to be regretful of the comment made on Friday.

A spokesman for the Welsh Conservative Party said: 'Alun apologised on air. He very much regrets making these comments and apologises to anyone who may have taken offence. The comments do not reflect his views on Italy or Italian people.'