The Tánaiste Mary Harney has said the riots in Dublin on Saturday played into the hands of the Orange Order, a "bigoted" sectarian movement.
As the Government prepares to face criticism in the Dail for failing to ensure gardai had adequate resources to deal with the riot, Ms Harney attacked some of those who planned to march.
"I don't have much respect for the Orange Order because it is a sectarian, bigoted organisation, but I do respect people's right to march," she said.
"I think they have got a great coup in being prevented from marching, quite honestly. Those that sought to stop them have played right into their hands."
Ms Harney said: "There was nothing republican about what happened on the streets of Dublin last Saturday. It was a disgrace, thuggery is how I would describe it. And it is a great, great pity that they brought shame on themselves, shame on the city, shame on the country."
Ms Harney's comments were condemned by the Orange Order and Democratic Unionist MP Jeffrey Donaldson.
"Those comments do nothing to heal the wounds that have been created and deepened as a result of Saturday's situation," the Lagan Valley MP said.
PA