Donegal politicians among 52 Irish 'key representatives' banned from Russia

Three Donegal politicians have allegedly been banned from Russia after the Kremlin said 52 "key representatives" from Ireland have been put on a “stop list” for apparent Russophobic sentiment.

Fianna Fáil Senators Niall Blaney, and Termon native and Monaghan-based Robbie Gallagher, and the Chair of the Committee on European Union Affairs, Fine Gael Joe McHugh, are among the 52 names. 

The politicians are banned, according to Russia's foreign ministry, because of “the anti-Russian course of the Irish Government” for “unconditionally” supporting the EU sanctions against Russian citizens “aimed at attempts to isolate our country internationally.”

The list is made up of 33 Fianna Fáil politicians, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin; 16 from Fine Gael with Tánaiste Leo Varadkar included; Labour leader Ivana Bacik and Independent Senator Gerard Craughwell. Noboy from the Green Party is included, nor are the main opposition party,  Sinn Féin.

“Got a good laugh at getting a call this eve from foreign affairs to let me know I’m one of 52,” Senator Blaney tweeted on Thursday. “Bullies do not do much for me. Getting rid of the Russian ambassador gives Putin the right to do the same with ours. Time to keep the head and play smart.”