The RTÉ reporter, Carole Coleman, had turned in a "stunning" performance during her recent interview with the President of the US, the leader of the House, Ms Mary O'Rourke said.
"I just thought she was stunning and quite proper and professional as well. Clearly, the man is not used to being asked a question, because every time she went to ask a question she was knocked, and he was, sort of, 'Little girl...', you know, a bit like that."
Responding to Opposition concerns about newspaper reports that the Government had expressed regret about the interview, deeming it disrespectful, Ms O'Rourke said she very much doubted that. "I mean we have all been used to trenchant interviews all the time. I can't understand how the man has got to where he is and didn't get a decent interview."