A local TD included in the Russian Government's sanction of 52 Irish politicians believes the move is simply a further attempt to spread misinformation regarding its ongoing actions in Ukraine.
Longford/Westmeath Fianna Fail TD Joe Flaherty is among a list of 52 deputies and Senators who have now been put on the country's 'Stop list' due to what the Russian government describes as their involvement in anti Russian propaganda.
The move was made this week with the list including the Taoiseach, Tanáiste and Ceann Comhairle, as well as 49 other Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Labour representatives.
Deputy Flaherty previously described Ukraine in the Dáil as the 'victim of a barbaric act and a barbaric dictator who has brought wanton and untold carnage on that country'.
Speaking on the Let's Talk Show today, The Longford-Westmeath TD says the ban won't affect his future travel plans.
"To echo the words of the Taoiseach, I think it's a case of classic Russian propaganda and misinformation. I'm not quite sure how they arrived at the list of 52. Obviously they've decided I've spoken critically of the war in Ukraine and, as extensive as my travel is, I don't think it would've been on my radar for getting there, but look I know many Russian people who are equally as horrified at the continuation of the war".
