Three Clare TDs on Russia’s travel ‘black list’

RUSSIA has banned three of Clare’s Oireachtas members from entering the country.

The names of Senator Timmy Dooley, Deputy Cathal Crowe are Deputy Joe Carey are on a list of 52 Irish citizens who have been sanctioned by Vladimir Putin’s regime.

Since last Wednesday’s (November 16) announcement by the Russian Embassy, those who face sanctions have now been informed.

Responding to his ban, Senator Dooley said he refuses to be intimidated or threatened.

“Putin is a brutal dictator and his black list is clearly meant to frighten and intimidate those identified on it – a dog whistle to his supporters to visit harm on those of us who have been named – I have never given way to bullies and that won’t change,” he said.

This evening I was informed I was part of Putin's blacklist. A digraceful action of intimidation by a desperate dictator This is nothing but a dog whistle to his supporters to visit harm on those of us who have been named. I have never given way to bullies and that wont change.

— Timmy Dooley (@timmydooley) November 17, 2022

“It’s a badge of honour and it will only serve to further strengthen my resolve to support Ukraine and her citizens,” Deputy Crowe said on Twitter.

Deputy Carey, who has been attending the Fine Gael Ard Fhéis in Athlone this weekend has not yet commented publicly on his ban.

In March, shortly after Russia’s first attack on Ukraine, Senator Dooley travelled with MEP Billy Kelleher to Lviv for talks with political leaders. The Fianna Fáil members originally intended to see relief efforts on the Polish border, but travelled to Ukraine at the invitation of the Servant of the People party, led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Senator Dooley has been vocal in appealing for greater support for Ukraine, and in criticising the actions of Vladimir Putin.

Both Deputy Crowe and Deputy Carey have voiced their support for Ukraine, several times, on the Dáil record.

It’s understood that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) received a copy, on Thursday evening last, of the full 52 citizens banned for entering Russia.

At a meeting on Thursday with officials of the DFA, Russian ambassador Yury Filatov was told his country’s behaviour towards the Irish citizens was unacceptable.