Martin angry over ‘sinister’ clip of mock nuclear attack on Ireland
TAOISEACH Micheál Martin has condemned a ‘very sinister’ clip shown on Russian state TV depicting Ireland being wiped out by a nuclear weapon – and called on the broadcaster to apologise.
The shocking mock-up clip was broadcast on Russia-1, a state-owned TV channel, on a show presented by Dmitry Kiselyov, who is closely linked to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
In the video, Ireland is wiped out a 500-metre tsunami triggered by a nuclear strike.
Mr Martin yesterday described the broadcast as being ‘intimidatory-type tactics by the Russian Federation’ as he criticised the country’s ongoing attack on Ukraine.
‘I don’t think anyone’s going to be intimidated by it. I think it reflects a mindset that is worrying and not in touch with reality,’ the Fianna Fáil leader said. ‘I think there should be an apology forthcoming in relation to that but the more fundamental point I would think is that Russia should cease hostilities in Ukraine.’
‘The degree of bombardment and destruction of towns and cities and human carnage that has taken place is absolutely without any justification. It’s an immoral war that should end and humanitarian corridors should be provided consistently in terms of those trapped in Mariupol and other locations.’
Green Party leader Eamon Ryan described the video broadcast by Russian TV as being ‘a disgrace’ as he
‘It’s disturbing... it’s a disgrace’
signalled that the Russian ambassador to Ireland, Yury Filatov, could face questioning over it.
‘It is disturbing, it’s on state television in Russia with the presenter who is said to be close to the [Russian] government,’ Mr Ryan said. ‘In what world could that be seen as appropriate? In what world could that be seen, in any way, something you would share and show. It’s a disgrace and I’m looking forward to hearing what Simon Coveney has to say in terms of what we say about it.’
Responding to questions as to whether Mr Filatov will be spoken to by Irish officials over the broadcast, Mr Ryan said: ‘I imagine so’.
Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath said it was for Foreign Affairs Minister Mr Coveney and his department to decide what the ‘most appropriate diplomatic response’ is to the clip.
A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs last night said there can be ‘no justification’ for threatening use of nuclear weapons. ‘Ireland has long argued that nuclear weapons offer no security, and their use would result in devastating humanitarian consequences,’ they added.