Fisherman from Cork who faced off against the Russian Navy to stand as a candidate for the European elections

CEO of the Irish South and West Fish Producers' Organization Patrick Murphy is contesting the Ireland South constituency. Speaking at an Aontú campaign launch, Mr Murphy said an upcoming film about the diplomatic incident in 2022 will detail the role he played in the dispute with the Russian navy.

“We were told there was going to be a no-fly zone over our country and we were concerned it would be serious,” Murphy said. “This was unlike any other military exercise conducted in our waters, so when we went to investigate, we discovered that missiles were going to be fired into our skies. What goes up must come down,” he added.

Mr Murphy said he had sent information to the Russian ambassador to Ireland, Yury Filatov, and his group had been invited to Dublin to speak at the embassy. “We have indeed negotiated with the Russians to leave our waters. It was not a coincidence and that will be reflected in the new film that will be made later,” he said. He also revealed that Colin Farrell could play him in a feature film about the incident.

“There is a budget of €800,000 to get it up and running and I think there will be a budget of €20 million.” Asked who he would like to play him, Mr Murphy said: “I've been told Colin Farrell but I'll leave that against the people who are in it. The contract has been signed so I won't say any more about that.” Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín said this

Murphy's proactive approach to the conflict with the Russians off the coast of Ireland shows the difference between the government and his party. “Patrick went in and negotiated with the Russian ambassador. Simon Coveney, meanwhile, sent a letter to the Russian ambassador. The letter was kept in a filing cabinet, which shows the difference in actions between us and the government,” said Mr Tóibín.