According to government sources, the “show of solidarity” with the UK would involve the expulsion of a number of Russian diplomats in support of the UK over the Salisbury nerve agent attack on March 4. Mr Coveney was briefed last night and has been in constant contact with Leo Varadkar on the matter. His spokesman said the assessment of alleged Russian activities in Ireland by a high-level group was “ongoing”. Yesterday, Mr Tusk, the European Council president, tweeted 14 EU member states had decided to expel Russian diplomats in response to the poisoning in the UK of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia. Sources said on Sunday that given the Taoiseach’s prominence in leading with this issue at the European Council in Brussels, it is highly likely at least one Russian diplomat will be expelled.

Source: Irish Examiner March 27, 2018 06:22 UTC