Leo Varadkar's partner has criticised the photographing of the Tánaiste at a music festival in England.
It comes after Mr Varadkar attended the Mighty Hoopla festival last weekend, during a visit to the UK.
The event took place on the same weekend as this year's Electric Picnic was originally due to take place, before the event was postponed and ultimately cancelled.
A picture of the Tánaiste at the festival was shared across social media last weekend, with many criticising Mr Varadkar for attending a festival despite similar events not yet being allowed in Ireland.
There was particular criticism from workers in the live events and entertainment sector, who have only recently gotten the green light for larger-scale outdoor events again.
In a letter to The Irish Times, Leo Varadkar's partner Matthew Barrett said: "The notion that the right to privacy is one which is conditional on the attitudes, sensibilities and prejudices of another is both ridiculous and dangerous."
He claims someone does not have the right to violate privacy because they believe it is "justified and consistent" with their own beliefs about "what constitutes appropriate behaviour".
Mr Barrett also suggested the image in question was "particularly unedifying... with the sole aim of humiliation".
He added: "This episode demonstrates that not only are privacy and dignity not expected, but that people will celebrate their violation."
Mr Varadkar's attendance at the music festival attracted a range of responses from across the political spectrum.
Taoiseach Michéal Martin suggested the Tánaiste was entitled to his private time, and could choose what he wanted to do with it.
Members of Fine Gael defended the Tánaiste's attendance, calling it a 'non story'.
Arts Minister and Green Party deputy leader Catherine Martin said she wouldn't have travelled to a festival in the UK - although added that the Tánaiste has been supportive of the events industry here.
Some opposition politicians were more critical, with Aontú's Peadar Tóibín calling it an "incredible situation".
