President Michael D Higgins is being called on to publicly back Ukraine after a letter from his wife Sabina urging a ceasefire on both sides caused a backlash.
Senator Malcolm Byrne last night said she had been “totally wrong to try and see an equivalence in the positions of Ukraine and Russia”.
Mrs Higgins’ letter, which was published in the Irish Times, was posted on the President’s website diary section but later removed.
Her warning that the war in Ukraine would continue unless both countries agree on a ceasefire and begin negotiations has made international headlines.
Senator Byrne said: “Mrs Higgins is entitled to her personal opinion and to express it, although I believe that she is totally wrong to try to see an equivalence in the positions of Ukraine and Russia.
“It is incumbent on the President of Ireland to now express clearly the strong support of the people of Ireland for the people of Ukraine and that we hold Russia responsible for the war and ongoing barbarism.”
In the letter, Ms Higgins wrote she was “disappointed and dismayed” a newspaper editorial didn’t “encourage any ceasefire negotiations that might lead towards a peace settlement between the Russians, the Ukrainian forces and the separatists.”
She added until President Putin and President Zelensky agree to a ceasefire and negotiations, “the long haul of terrible war will go on”.
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