Ireland’s decision to expel a Russian diplomat was an act of solidarity with the United Kingdom, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said. Mr Varadkar said the decision to expel the diplomat was based on intelligence and advice from Garda and the Defence Forces. “Such a significant and dramatic Irish foreign policy decision should be dictated by Irish security analysis,’’ she added. Later, Mr Coveney told the House it was right Ireland should stand in full solidarity with the UK, our closest neighbour. On Monday, 16 EU member states announced they would expel Russian diplomats.

Source: The Irish Times March 27, 2018 19:30 UTC