The journalist who penned a controversial pro-Brexit article about Ireland which is both factually incorrect and filled with hateful comments has apologised and resigned from the publication.

Jim Browne sparked outrage last week with his article 'Get Stuffed, Eire', which appeared in Country Squire Magazine, a "groundbreaking magazine which post-Brexit provides a platform for voices from the overlooked Great British Countryside”.

In the opinion piece, Browne calls Ireland the “land of puppy farms, rain-soaked holidays, dingy bars, drugs mule celebs, verbal diarrhea [sic] and squeaky fiddles…”, with the apparent aim of the article to show that Brexit could have "devastating effects" for Ireland because Britain is our biggest trading partner (which it isn't).

But many incensed readers dismissed the piece as poorly-delivered satire - with some even labelling it "racist bile" - with the article gaining attention around the world.

I just made a complaint to the London Met Police Force against this shocking racist bile against all Irish people. https://t.co/zA5vbQRUxA — Ken Murray (@NewsMurray) August 11, 2017


Surely there is a case under UK law for prosecution of the publication for this racist dirge/incitement to hatred? https://t.co/19N1VvkR7p — John O’Brennan (@JohnOBrennan2) August 11, 2017

Last chance to read this vile, bigoted rant before it is taken down by the so-called editor of this atrocious rag. 😎 https://t.co/mWwEkcV0xj — Rosh Mallaghan #Covid-19: Stay local (@roshbeth) August 13, 2017

The article led to a number of companies pulling their advertising from Country Squire Magazine and the article has since been removed from the publication's website 'on a request from the author and the editorial team'.

When visitors click on the link for the article they are directed to a response from Browne, who announced his resignation from the magazine along with an apology for the article, although from reading his latest piece we're not sure how apologetic the 76-year-old really is.


Browne writes:

"I would like to thank all those who took the time to go out of their way to correct me, who argued with me and even those who chose to cut to the chase and abuse the hell out of me.

"On the one hand, it is important that controversial articles are published that may cause upset. It is important to generate forthright debate about issues affecting our lives.

"On the other hand, it is also important, however, not to publish comments that overstep the mark. Where my column did so in the eyes of so many, I am deeply sorry."

He continues his apology by using the classic cliche line people use when they try to defend themselves against being called racist, saying: "I would like to state publicly that I have nothing against the Irish people, some of whom are my friends and family. My daughter is married to a fellow from Galway and I can report I worked with an Irish business colleague for decades without any major turbulences, even during the six nations. My article was targeted wholly at the Irish Government and clearly, for many, my volleys lacked accuracy.

"My article was targeted wholly at the Irish Government and clearly, for many, my volleys lacked accuracy."

Jim Browne responds to the many replies he has received since publishing of the ROI piece https://t.co/5c3ZhucBQO — Country Squire UK (@CSquireMagazine) August 13, 2017


Browne then states that he still does not see his article as racist, before stating his shock that some readers have called it such.

"I still cannot see anything racist in my writing. However, the fact that there are people who can so easily call me a racist shocks me into a state of sad reflection," he said.

Browne finished his open letter with an apology to the Irish people, saying: "Finally, I would like to apologise to the Irish. To confirm I have no problem with you whatsoever and I was shocked to see more than one man and his dog read my article, to be honest. When the Irish Ambassador passed comment on it, I was truly stunned. Please forgive me. I bear no ill will to you or your country. Nor to those of us who, like me, are of mixed Irish descent (Browne is an Irish name) who live full-time over here in England."

"When the Irish Ambassador passed comment on it, I was truly stunned. Please forgive me. I bear no ill will to you or your country. Nor to those of us who, like me, are of mixed Irish descent (Browne is an Irish name) who live full-time over here in England."