A CHURCH of Ireland Minister who sparked controversy when he told a gathering of Unionists that he is glad hydrogen peroxide is dying hair blonde and not “going into creamery cans to make explosives” has apologised to his congregation, The Impartial Reporter has learned.
The Rev. Canon Mark Watson, the rector of Trory and Killadeas, has sought “forgiveness for bringing our faith and church into a place of public enquiry” following his remarks.
During an event at an Orange Hall in Enniskillen in May, Canon Watson partly referred to a remark made by Democratic Unionist leader Arlene Foster who had used the word blonde to describe Ms. O’Neill during a word association game with the Sunday Independent.

Impartial Reporter: Arlene Foster was named acting first minister after the mass resignation of her party colleagues

Arlene Foster.

The former first minister was asked what word came to mind regarding Ms. O’Neill and said: “I am not going to be sexist because I can’t...” but when pushed, she responded: “Blonde!”.
Canon Watson made reference to Mrs. Foster’s remark when he addressed those gathered to support the Ulster Unionist’s Westminster candidate Tom Elliott at the pre election event. 
“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.
A spokesman for the Church of Ireland told this newspaper yesterday (Wednesday) that following the remarks Canon Watson, in response to a media enquiry, had “apologised for any offence which his remarks may have caused.”
“With regard to addressing his congregation on the matter, in the course of his sermon on Sunday morning, May 21, Canon Watson said that while he had made his remarks ‘in a private context and was not representing the Church of Ireland’, he recognised that ‘we are all responsible for our actions’ and went on to say that he sought ‘forgiveness for bringing our faith and church into a place of public enquiry’’.
“I am unable to provide any comment on any conversations between Bishop McDowell and Canon Watson on that matter,” said the spokesman.