Clare Senator declares he’s ‘never been in the clutches of Russia’ [Video]

A number of senators, prompted by a declaration from Clare Senator Timmy Dooley, declared to the Seanad that they have “never been in the clutches of Russia”.

It follows reports from The Sunday Times last week that Russian intelligence used a “honeytrap” to recruit an Irish politician as an agent during the Brexit talks, with one of the aims being to undermine relations between Britain, Ireland and the EU.

The paper also reported that while the Irish military and security services identified the potential agent, code-named Cobalt, they remain in the Oireachtas.

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Senator Dooley raised the matter, saying some rumours had been circulating that members have been involved with Russia and that there “may or may not be a spy in our midst.”

The Fianna Fail senator was issued a warning by Cathaoirleach Jerry Buttimer to “be careful”, but contined on, replying that “I’m around a while, I can manage …