Irish politician accused of being Russian spy 'laughed off' repeated warnings about recruitment

We have also learned that security officials believe the parliamentarian is just one of more than a dozen politicians to have been approached in recent years by foreign intelligence agents.

The politician suspected of being a Russian agent in the Oireachtas was repeatedly tipped off that spies were trying to recruit him – but he ignored the warnings, it has emerged.

“He repeatedly got a tap on the shoulder about the Russians, but he just laughed it all off,” a source said.

We have established that state security officials made several attempts to warn the politician as far back as 2020 about Russia's attempts to recruit him. But the man, whom we cannot name for legal reasons, did not engage with gardaí or military intelligence – both of whom were aware of Russia’s move on him.

We have also learned that intelligence officials have long suspected the parliamentarian was working for Russia.

READ MORE: Irish politician accused of being Russian spy should be named to avoid suspicion, says Eamon Ryan

READ MORE: Taoiseach: Revelations Irish politician allegedly recruited by Russian spy should come as no surprise to anyone

“It has been going on for years,” a source said after the dramatic revelations in the Sunday Times that the man was a Russian agent.

Sources have revealed that the man is regarded as an agent of influence in Ireland on behalf of the Russians.

“He would not be the classic definition of an asset or a spy,” one source said. “For one thing, he does not have access to state secrets. But he is there to disrupt and influence. He is a useful idiot for the Russians.”

We have also learned that security officials believe the parliamentarian is just one of more than a dozen politicians to have been approached in recent years by foreign intelligence agents.

One source said: “The Russians are at it all the time. But it is not just them, the Chinese are also making efforts to recruit politicians here.” There has also been a series of stories in recent years that Britain has its own spy in the corridors of power here.

The news of the Russian agent being repeatedly approached comes as Green cabinet minister Eamon Ryan called for the agent to be named and shamed.

The former Green Party leader and Minister for Transport said naming the agent would remove any possibility of suspicion being cast upon the whole of the Oireachtas, but added that it should be carried out legally.

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

Mr Ryan called for him to be named yesterday. He said: “That is something that would benefit the rest of us, so that the suspicion doesn’t go on the entire Oireachtas. But legally, obviously, that has to be done, so we have to wait and see how the allegations made can be verified. They are very serious, but until that point I think we have to be careful. We don’t know who that person is, obviously.”

Mr Ryan said he has never been approached by anyone connected to the Russian government.

It comes as Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín called on all political parties and independents to audit TDs and Senators to ensure “no undue influence from Russia or any other country”.

“While people will be intrigued by the report, it's important to understand the threat that this poses,” he added.

“Ireland was hit by a cyber-attack in 2021 that has led to €100 million in costs so far. The costs are expected to increase to well over €600 million and many thousands of people have suffered due to significantly delayed health care.”

Mr Tóibín said he was approached by a consultancy firm offering him a trip to Russia in 2017. He said he was offered a stay in a five-star hotel and would be given a meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin.

“This struck me as very strange and a little incredible. Given the anti-democratic nature of the Putin regime I indicated that I was not interested in it,” the Aontú TD added.

“Politically, I believe that there is no such thing as a free lunch. Politicians are there to serve their citizens and not be in the pocket of others. Jollies such as this represent a threat of undue influence. The political system in Ireland has been replete with influence or control by others usually with a cheque book.

“That that influence would be sought in this manner from outside the country is obviously of serious concern. I passed the request to the international department of my previous party and told them I was not interested in attending.”

Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.