RTE presenter David McCullagh has gone viral after his "priceless" interview with a Russian Ambassador on the Six One news yesterday.
The journalist spoke to Russian Ambassador to Ireland Yury Filatov as Russian troops continue to invade Kiev.
Thousands of people praised McCullagh's intense conversation with Mr Filatov that went on for over six minutes.
Filatov described what was happening as "emotional issue" and a "humanitarian crisis" with McCullagh correcting him by saying it’s "a humanitarian crisis in Ukraine"
The news anchor said the ambassador was giving the "Russian version of events" which are "misleading".
He also asked "why does our government entertain your presence here when you're acting as an apologist for slaughter?".
Mr Filatov responded: "It is a good question. You might ask your government. It's up to them. I can leave any time."
Twitter users hailed the presenter and said this interview should be spread around the world “far and wide”.
One said: “Priceless viewing. I thought David wanted to go through the screen to get at him.”
Another tweeted: “Excellent interview, totally fearless and absolutely riveting. Thank you David McCullagh.”
Other users posted: “Wow, it's shocking that it took a news presenter to instigate his removal. Well done David McCullagh.”
“Very few journalists would have the ability and tenacity of our David to take on an Ambassador of this status. This is exactly the type of probing pressure all Russian representatives should have to face. Public opinion can influence and hopefully it will.”
“Refreshing to see that David McCullagh has reignited his journalistic skills while interviewing the Russian Ambassador to Ireland.”
“This is what we have been missing for the past two years as we have listened to cosy chats on RTE.”
“Great work, David. The interruptions were wholly justified in the face of such indefensible mendacity. Tip of the hat for the sign off. Nice.”
“Very interesting interview. You should see how a journalist is well informed and prepared to talk with a Russian diplomat.”
Meanwhile, other Twitter users suggested that he uses his interview skills to hold Irish government officials accountable.
One person said: “Well done, David McCullagh. Maybe you could apply this approach to Irish politicians, too
Someone else added: “I was flabbergasted watching this interview! I can’t remember ever seeing an Irish government minister being questioned in this manner when discussing the Irish government overseeing homeless people freezing to death on the streets, dying in ED corridors. I look forward to holding our government accountable.”
And a third asked: “Can we have interviews like this when speaking with our own government ministers please?”
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