The TD who predicted Ireland would face "an ISIS situation" over water protests has withdrawn his remarks.
Noel Coonan says he was "speaking from the heart" - but admits he "over-egged" the comments in the Dáil last night.
The Tipperary TD has received death threats to his office after the remarks during a debate on water charges.
Deputy Coonan now admits he went too far.
Speaking this morning, he conceded it "certainly is extreme" to liken anti-water charge protestors to jihadist extremists.
"Probably in the heat of the moment I did ['over-egg' his comparison], but if you could do things a second time... I didn't read from a prepared script.
"I certainly would withdraw that comparison, yes.
"Probably 'anarchists' would be more appropriate than 'ISIS'."
Coonan also said he never meant to offend Dubliners by describing some as "parasites" - saying he intended to apply that term to people who "abuse [Gardaí] and spit at them".
"I would not insult Dublin people, some of the most fantastic people in the world," he said, adding that he enjoyed their wit when attending GAA games.
"I have many friends and relations in Dublin."
