Longford TD says his inclusion on Russian travel band list is nothing more than "classic propaganda"
Longford/Westmeath Fianna Fáil TD Joe Flaherty has branded the Kremlin's decision to include his name among over 50 TDs to be banned as "classic propaganda".
Mr Flaherty's name was published alongside 51 other TDs and Senators to be prohibited from entering Russia on Wednesday owing to Ireland's ongoing support of Ukraine.
The Lanesboro native expressed his surprise at the news, but was just as quick to round on Russian President Vladimir Putin's latest attempts to impose counter sanctions on pro-Ukrainian western countries.
"I am not placing any great value on the list," he said, when contacted by the Leader this evening.
Mr Flaherty said he was in agreement with Taoiseach Micheal Martin's comments in describing the move as "classic propaganda" and nothing more than a disingenuous ploy on behalf of the Kremlin.
The list itself consists of 33 Fianna Fáil politicians, 16 Fine Gael representatives, the Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil Seán Ó Fearghaíl, Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik and Independent senator Gerard Craughwell.
The Kremlin said on Wednesday that 52 "key representatives" from Ireland had been placed on a sanction list for expressing what it claimed was Russophobic sentiment.
Mr Flaherty said he believed the move was cynical effort to deflect attention away from the financially bruising effects Russia's ongoing invasion is having on the rest of mainland Europe.
"The focus needs to be on stopping a war that has caused spiralling fuel costs and a cost of living crisis in Ireland," he said.