People Before Profit has branded Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s comments calling the party’s TDs “puppets for Putin” as a “disgusting and cynical smear”.
Paul Murphy has written to Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl demanding that the Taoiseach withdraw the comments.
Mr Martin, however, said that he would not take back his remarks.
During a fiery Dáil interaction on Tuesday, TDs Richard Boyd Barrett, Mick Barry and Mr Murphy questioned Ireland’s actions in the Ukrainian war and whether they undermined neutrality.
Mr Murphy criticised Ireland for providing “so-called military assistance mission of the EU to train the Ukrainian army.
“Training one side in a military conflict is a breach of military neutrality,” he said.
In response, the Taoiseach said that anytime People Before Profit mentions the war in Ukraine, the party brings “it back to NATO and the Russian argument”.
“It is the same argument used by Russia last week when it named a lot of Irish politicians on their list,'' he said.
“You guys are acting like puppets for Putin's regime.”
The comments were raised in the Dáil on Wednesday afternoon as Mr Murphy asked Mr Martin to withdraw the remarks.
However, the Taoiseach stood by the comments.
He said: “I will always retain the right to speak freely in this House. The far left does not get the right to frame the narrative in this Chamber. I will not withdraw it.”
Mr Murphy has now written to Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl asking for the comments to be withdrawn by the Taoiseach.
“The Taoiseach accusing opposition TDs of being agents for a foreign power, particularly an authoritarian regime like Putin’s, is incredibly serious,” he said.
“There is no basis to this allegation whatsoever. People Before Profit - Solidarity have been consistent in opposing Putin.
“This was a disgusting and cynical smear designed to undermine the arguments of those of us who do not go along with the ditching of military neutrality by this government
“As well as being a smear, these remarks are clearly disorderly.
“I am requesting you to call upon the Taoiseach to withdraw his remarks.”
Mr Murphy also suggested that the remarks were against Dáil rules that state “Member[s] may not say that another Member is taking orders or instructions from outside interests or is representing or speaking for such interests”.
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