A MEP for Ireland South says the actions of Moscow must lead to the expulsion of the Russian Ambassador.
Fianna Fail’s Billy Kelleher is making the comments after the announcement on the banning of 52 Irish Politicians and officials.
Mr Kelleher believes the government should be very clear.
If you don’t want our Government leaders to visit Russia, then we don’t want your Ambassador living in our country.
MEP Kelleher says it time for the Russia Ambassador to leave our shores.
Individual TDs and Senators have begun sharing that they are included in the list of Irish politicians banned from travelling to Russia by Vladimir Putin.
Tipperary’s Jackie Cahill is on the list.
The Government decided against publishing the list but instead chose to inform the politicians directly.
Deputy Cahill says he is proud to stand with the people of Ukraine against what he terms “the shameful, illegal, murderous campaign that Putin is waging against Ukraine and her people.”
Deputy Cahill went on to call Vladimir Putin a bully, a tyrant and a thug.
The Thurles based TD is committed to remaining a member of the Ireland-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group in solidarity with the people of Ukraine saying he will continue to stand for decency, respect for human life, peace, and the sovereign right of a people to self-determination.
Russia’s Ambassador to Ireland Yury Filatov has been told by the Department of Foreign Affairs that the decision to ban 52 Irish politicians from travelling to his country is “absolutely unacceptable”.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the Russian move as “a form of hybrid warfare”.
The list includes Government Ministers and members of the Opposition that have been critical of Russia.
Several TDs have called for the expulsion of the Ambassador in response to the ban – something the government is reluctant to do at present.
