THE Fine Gael councillor at the centre of a racism row is in trouble again over fresh remarks about Africans.

Darren Scully was forced to resign as mayor of Naas two years ago after saying he no longer dealt with representations from African immigrants.

In a bid to clarify his remarks, he has now said he was referring to "certain people from a certain part of Africa".

In an interview with The University Times, he said he chose his words in 2011 very badly.

"I said black Africans. Now I really shouldn't have even said black Africans. I should have said certain people from a certain part of Africa," he said.

He restated his belief that he had been the subject of unreasonable demands from certain members of the black community in Ireland. "I had met a lot of people, particularly from the black community, demanding a lot, and I was unhappy with it," he said.

Last night, Fine Gael confirmed the councillor's latest remarks were under investigation. The party would not make any further comment.

Mr Scully's comments have caused renewed controversy, with Gerry O'Connor of the Immigrant Council of Ireland urging him to "immediately clarify and if necessary withdraw his reported remarks".

APOLOGISED

Mr O'Connor said his comments "are particularly disappointing in a year when the council has recorded an 85pc rise in reports of racism".

When contacted by the Herald, Mr Scully said: "I would like to point out that I apologised, was sincere in my apology, was contrite and now just want to move on and deal with the many other issues affecting people in this country."

On November 21, 2011, Mr Scully went on the Late Show with Niall Boylan on Classic Hits 4fm to present his views on immigrants in his constituency.

He said he chose to go on air because "the debate was becoming very one-sided when it came to immigration in this country".

The following day, he resigned as mayor of Naas and apologised for his remarks.

In February last year, Fine Gael withdrew the party whip from Mr Scully, but he was asked to return last month and has been selected to run in the local elections next May.

"They came to me and they said 'look, we would like to offer you the whip back'. I served nearly a year and a half without the whip, and ... I was genuinely contrite in my apology and ... I was sorry for what I did."

Mr Scully said he believed he was allowed to return because the party felt he had done his punishment.