According to reports, Michaél Martin has been named as not being allowed to enter Russia, as are tánaiste Leo Varadker, speaker of the lower house, Séan Ó Fearghail, minister for foreign affairs Simon Coveney, minister for justice Helen McEntee, minister for finance Paschal Donoghue and a number of td’s and senators amounting to 52 names of which the Irish government do not yet have a full list. Reportedly, officials from the department of foreign affairs are in contact with russian authorities to seek immediate clarification.
According to the report, Nikita Isaki press secretary and personal assistant to the russian ambassador said the russian embassy may issue further comment Thursday or Friday. Reportedly, the taoiseach said it was part of the propaganda war waged by Russia. According to the report, on calls for the russian embassy to be closed the taoiseach said, diplomatic channels are the last resort always, so I think cool heads are required in situations like this. Reportedly, the russian ministry in its statement said, acting under the dictation of Brussels, Ireland is conducting an aggressive anti russian propaganda campaign. With regard to our other measures, we will be guided by the position of Dublin.