Government calls for 'cool heads' as Russia bans Irish politicians over sanctions

Simon Coveney said Ireland will be making 'no apology' for being 'on the side of international law, the UN Charter, the side of Ukraine and the right side of history'

Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos

Taoiseach Micheál Martin responded to calls for the Russian Embassy in Ireland to be closed after he and over 50 other Irish politicians were banned from Russia.

The Kremlin made the announcement on Wednesday. Among those listed are Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe as well as a number of officials.