Russian Honeytrap Plot During Brexit ‘No Surprise,’ Says Irish PM

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Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris has stated that Russian activities in Ireland are not unexpected following reports that an Irish politician may have been recruited as a Russian agent during Brexit negotiations. The allegations come after a report from *The Sunday Times* claimed that Russian intelligence orchestrated a “honeytrap” for the unnamed politician. The goal was allegedly to disrupt relations between Britain, Ireland, and the European Union during a critical period.

 

The politician, identified only by the code name "Cobalt," is reportedly still serving in the Irish parliament, despite being identified by Irish military and security services. The report has caused concern, but Mr. Harris declined to comment directly on security matters. When questioned about the situation in Dublin, he emphasized that such actions from Russia were not shocking. “It shouldn’t come as any surprise to any of us that Russia seeks … to distort public opinion and is active in relation to that across the world, and that Ireland is not immune from that,” Harris remarked.

 

Harris also highlighted an increase in Russian activity since the country's invasion of Ukraine, signaling that global events have intensified concerns. “We’ve also seen a very significant increase in that level of activity since the brutal invasion by Russia of Ukraine,” he added, pointing to the broader scope of Russian interference.

 

When pressed further about the identity of the alleged agent, Harris reiterated his refusal to comment on security-related matters. “We never comment on this kind of thing. I’m not sure if any country does comment in relation to security matters,” he responded. However, he sought to assure the public by stating that Irish intelligence and law enforcement agencies, in coordination with international counterparts, were taking the issue very seriously. “I can tell you that as taoiseach I am satisfied that our gardai and our intelligence services, working internationally with counterparts, take this issue very, very seriously,” Harris concluded. 

 

The claims surrounding the recruitment of an Irish politician have heightened scrutiny of Russian operations, especially in light of increasing geopolitical tensions following the war in Ukraine.

 

Based on a report from Daily Telegraph 2024-10-08