Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not see where the benefit is, apart from perhaps getting some satisfaction out of it. Expelling the Russian ambassador would mean the Russian Embassy in Dublin would close, the Irish Embassy in Moscow would close and we would cut off all diplomatic channels between Ireland and Russia. Despite our frustration and the communication of protest that would give in the short term, while I understand the sentiment expressed, what it would do is cut off all diplomatic channels. People ask me what Ireland is doing to promote peace and to bring the conflict to an end. I believe that diplomatic channels are important, even in extreme and difficult circumstances like those we are currently experiencing, triggered by Russian aggression in Ukraine. As a result, I believe those diplomatic channels should remain open.

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