Taoiseach Micheál Martin has agreed that the list of Irish politicians banned from Russia “illustrates incoherence” from the Kremlin.
The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed on Wednesday that 52 Irish TDs and Senators were banned from entering the country due to its support of Ukraine.
The list included the Taoiseach, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl, Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney, Justice Minister Helen McEntee and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe.
Read More: Teenage thugs attack and threaten to kill mum-to-be on Irish bus service
A number of TDs have since tweeted or confirmed to the Irish Mirror that they have been banned from entering Russia, with many describing the news as a “badge of honour”.
The Department of Foreign Affairs contacted people today and yesterday to confirm the news. The majority of the politicians included are Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael TDs.
A Sinn Féin spokesperson said that it is understood so far that none of the politicians have been banned from entering Russia.
During a press conference in Newry, it was put to the Taoiseach that there were some absences from the list.
This included Senad Cathaoirleach Mark Daly who co-hosted a special Dáil sitting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in April.
When asked if he believed that the list had been “thrown together without any clear coherence”, the Taoiseach said that it would “appear so”.
“I'm not responsible for what the Russian government is deciding on these lists,” he said.
“The overall picture really is that this is just the classic diversion propaganda move by the Russian government and we shouldn't be deflected from it.
“Our focus has to be on solidarity with the people of Ukraine and also maintaining pressure on Russia in the international arena to stop this war.
“It is a terrible war that is killing many people, many young people on both sides unnecessarily being killed, because of what Russia has done invading Ukraine.
“I think it's very, very important that we understand what's afoot here too by the Russian Government and not be deflected by it.”
READ NEXT:
Permanent TSB latest bank to up mortgage interest rates - all you need to know
Met Eireann forecast temperatures to plummet below freezing as cold snap hits
Irish dad-of-13 'been through hell' as he lists series of unfortunate events
'Your mam was right' - Expert warns drinking from bathroom tap could be deadly
RTE Radio One boss fears he will lose two major stars to rival stations
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
