Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

First of all, Deputy O'Callaghan's point is a very fair and important one. Russia is no ordinary country and is a significant power. It wields considerable influence across the world, be it in Syria, Africa or in some parts of Europe. It clearly has significant influence on states within the EU and is endeavouring to disrupt some EU states. It has already now put EU leaders in Estonia and Latvia under threat of detention because of the alleged destruction of Russian monuments in European Union capitals. It is very serious because others follow and believe this is the way you control countries and citizens and rule. It allows for an expansion of authoritarianism.

Again, I was taken aback by some comments of Irish MEPs in respect of Mr. Navalny before he died, where they were condemning him and they were less than empathetic to his situation. There are a lot of double standards in Irish public life in respect of these matters, because we should all support freedom of expression in every society.

See this speech in context