Irish Justice Minister, Alan Shatter, has apologized for accusing RTE reporter Paul Reynolds of sensationalism. (Credit: The Journal.Ie, screenshot)

Irish Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence Alan Shatter apologized after accusing an RTÉ reporter of “tabloid sensationalism,” The Independent reported.

“I inappropriately responded by making comments about Paul [Reynolds], which I now regret and acknowledge were unfair and inaccurate,” Shatter said.

Shatter had alleged Irish public broadcaster RTÉ‘s reporter, Paul Reynolds, “has great difficulty in accurately reporting anything,” according to Irish news outlet, the Journal.   Shatter’s statements came after Reynolds questioned Shatter’s appointing one of his political donors to the position of “confidential recipient” in Garda Síochána, Ireland’s national police force, the Irish Times reported.

Prior to Shatter’s apology, an RTÉ spokesperson defended Reynolds, saying that his “work stands for itself,” the Irish Times reported.