John McDonnell has admitted his past comments supporting the IRA could have fostered sectarianism.

The shadow Chancellor, who hopes to become the most left-wing Labour chancellor to enter 11 Downing Street, has previously apologised for saying that peace in Northern Ireland was achieved “because of the bravery of the IRA” including the actions of hunger-striker Bobby Sands.

In an interview with the Daily Record newspaper, Mr McDonnell said: “I suppose I am part of it really. We are all learning lessons about how we should live with each other and respect different traditions.”

Mr McDonnell said: “I’ve apologised for some of the statements I’ve made in the past.

“You just have to understand that and appreciate it. And if you feel you have said something that was not appropriate or was wrong, it is best to hold your hand up.”

Mr McDonnell, 67, said his experience of growing up as a Catholic in Liverpool had both shaped and changed his attitudes to bigotry.

He said: “If you look at my home town of Liverpool even as a young child, I remember the divisions in that city.

“Now these divisions have largely healed. There is a celebration of Irish culture, in all its aspects, in Liverpool. It gives me hope you can override these sectarian divisions.