A CHURCH of Ireland Minister who told Unionists at an Orange Hall in Enniskillen on Saturday that he is glad that hydrogen peroxide is dying hair blonde and not “going into creamery cans to make explosives” made a similar remark just days before, it has emerged.
The Rev. Canon Mark Watson made the comment at an event to support Westminster candidate Tom Elliott during which he called on those in attendance, including DUP leader Arlene Foster, to “pray for victory” for the former Ulster Unionist MP in next month’s election.
The ‘explosives’ remark, recorded by this newspaper, sparked controversy with Sinn Fein’s Jemma Dolan describing it as “outrageous and sexist” resulting in Canon Watson issuing an apology via the Church of Ireland.
When asked by this newspaper the Church of Ireland refused to state whether or not Canon Watson will be sanctioned for making the remark or if members of the clergy are permitted to endorse political candidates in an election. 
“Canon Mark Watson has apologised for any offence which his remarks may have caused. The Diocese of Clogher does not have anything further to add,” said a spokesman, refusing to answer all of the questions posed by this newspaper.
However, The Impartial Reporter has learned that Canon Watson posted a similar message on his personal Facebook page days before the event.
In the post, seen by this newspaper, Canon Watson wrote: “I am delighted that so many Sinn Fein leaders are blonde. It means the peroxide is going in their hair, not into bombs.”
In that message, as was the case on Saturday, Canon Watson was partly referring to a previous comment by Mrs. Foster.
The Fermanagh-south Tyrone MLA used the word ‘blonde’ to describe Sinn Fein’s northern leader Michelle O’Neill during a word association game with the Sunday Independent.
Mrs. Foster asked what word came to mind regarding Mrs. O’Neill. Mrs. Foster said: “I am not going to be sexist because I can’t...” but when pushed, she responded: “Blonde!”.
“Michelle is very attractive. She presents herself very well and she always is, you know, her appearance is always very ‘the same’,” she continued.
Addressing those gathered at the Orange Order event on Saturday before the arrival of Mr. Elliott, Canon Watson made reference to Mrs. Foster’s remark.
“Our friend the first minister mentioned the blondes,” he said.
“I am glad they are blondes because it means the hydrogen peroxide that’s dying the hair isn’t going into creamery cans to make explosives,” said Canon Watson, to laughter.
“I hope there are no Press about or I’ve just lost my job,” he added, followed by more laughter.
After he made his comment, Canon Watson went on to “pray for this election.”
“We pray for all who seek office that they may seek to build a land that is married to God. We pray oh heavenly Father for all those who stand for election for the Union, for the strengthening of the ties that bind in difficult times when we need strong and honest government to face the challenges from abroad.
“And we ask that you Lord would bless each pro Union candidate, and especially in this constituency our friend Tom. We pray, Lord, for victory, for you to rise up a mighty host to cast their ballot to draw hope into our land, to establish in us a sense of confidence,” said Canon Watson.
Meanwhile, Fermanagh manager Pete McGrath has also sparked controversy by publicly endorsing a Sinn Fein general election candidate in South Down. 
The former Down all Ireland winning manager backed Chris Hazzard in an online video described by the DUP’s Jim Wells as “unwise and unhelpful.”
A spokesman for the GAA said the organisation is by rule and policy “a non-party political organisation and the individual political views of its members are a matter for themselves.”