President Michael D Higgins is being criticised for issuing a statement describing Fidel Castro as a giant among global leaders.

The former Cuban leader died at the age of 90 on Friday night with the country now in 9 days of mourning.

Throughout his 50 year reign, Castro’s human rights record was severely criticised.

Former Government Press Secretary Gerard Howlin says President Higgins’ statement will cause concern for the Government:”It cannot have a president prempting it on sensitive foreign policy issues.

“I ask, without knowing the answer what level of contact, if any, was there before this statement was issued.”