Threat of Russian influence on politics taken very seriously, Taoiseach says

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

The state security services take allegations of Russia seeking to influence an elected representative “very seriously”, the Taoiseach has said.

Speaking to reporters in Washington DC, Simon Harris said he was limited in what he could say on matters relating to national security, but added: “I think we need to be alert in Ireland to the fact that we’re not immune from Russian influence.

“Russia is a country that seeks to actively influence public debate and discourse, and I think it’s also the statement of fact to say that that level of activity has increased by Russia since their brutal illegal invasion of Ukraine, and therefore the gardai and our security services obviously monitor these matters very closely.”

He added: “There are bad actors who seek to influence and distort public discourse.”

It comes after The Sunday Times reported that Russian intelligence recruited an Irish politician to act as an agent during Brexit negotiations. The newspaper dubbed the unnamed politician “Cobalt”.

Asked if Cobalt should identify themselves to avoid speculation falling on other politicians, Mr Harris said his priority was making sure security services were empowered to keep the country safe.

It comes after the Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said Cobalt’s identity should be publicly revealed.