Attending the UN Assembly in New York on Sunday, President Michael D Higgins accused the Israeli embassy in Dublin of “circulating” a congratulatory letter he wrote to the newly elected president of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian in July.

His comments were interpreted as an accusation Israel deliberately leaked the letter.

The Israeli embassy issued a statement, calling it a “baseless accusation” and “potentially slanderous”, marking a new low in relations between the Israeli ambassador and President Higgins.

On Monday evening President Higgins met the press again in New York and denied he meant Israel leaked anything, while doubling down on other criticism.

Irish Times political correspondent Jennifer Bray was there. She explains how events unfolded that overshadowed the Irish Government's presence at the UN.

Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon.

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