Access to the inner circle of government is often a lesser prize for Russia than the opportunity to shift public opinion and policies, and Irish defences against such infiltration are weak
Cobalt allegations highlighted a number of critical weaknesses in Ireland’s security and intelligence infrastructure and are embarrassing for the Tánaiste. Photograph: Natalia Kolesnikova/AFP via GettyThe revelation that a member of the Oireachtas – given the name “Cobalt” – may have been, or possibly still is, a Russia n intelligence asset has highlighted a number of critical weaknesses in Ireland’s security and intelligence infrastructure.
of the Seanad Jerry Buttimer offered a brief comment stating that he was not a Russian spy. The Oireachtas has the power to form a committee to investigate allegations of misconduct or broader threats to the legislature. But neither Ó Fearghail or Buttimer seemed in a hurry to recommend any course of action.
The State should look to how other democracies have handled espionage targeting members of parliament. New Zealand scores near the top of most international democracy indexes. But it takes its security very seriously. In 2017 New Zealand was faced with allegations that two of its MPs were engaged in espionage activity on the behalf of the Chinese state.
Micheal-Martin Sean-O-Fearghail Jerry-Buttimer
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘Agent Cobalt’ fills role of Banquo’s ghost as Oireachtas amuses itselfDeputies and senators address each other as ‘comrade’ in corridors as speculation continues about Oireachtas member allegedly recruited as a Russian agent
Read more »
Opponents of data centres ‘not in the real world,’ Burke saysMinister for Enterprise warns data centres ‘very important’ to Ireland
Read more »
Jemima Burke takes High Court case over public order convictionBurke convicted at Ballina District Court last June and fined €350 over behaviour outside inquest
Read more »
Alexandra Burke's whirlwind life after X Factor fame - TV trauma to Irish fianceAs former X Factor winner Alexandra Burke prepares to say 'I do' to footballer fiance Darren Randolph, the Mirror takes a look at the singer's whirlwind life following her rise to fame
Read more »
Review of regulatory changes to cushion SMEs against sudden cost shocks, says BurkeMinister said he is reassessing pending changes to paid sick leave and sub-minimum wage rules
Read more »
Eoin Burke-Kennedy: Why Ireland has Scandinavian prices but without the salaries to justify themThere are several partial explanations for Ireland’s high-price culture but there’s no smoking gun
Read more »