Reland’s president has been urged to make a statement on the war in the Ukraine after his wife wrote a controversial letter about the conflict.
Michael D Higgins has faced calls for state aid for Ukraine’s cause and voted opposition to Russian aggression.
It comes after Sabina Higgins wrote a letter to the Irish Times about the war during the week.
Ms Higgins’ letter, which was intended to criticize an earlier editorial on the conflict, said the fighting would continue until the world “convinces president Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy Ukraine to agree to a ceasefire and negotiations”.
Critics of the letter have suggested that Ms Higgins drew an equivalence in the actions of Ukraine and Russia.
Party senators in the Irish coalition government have expressed concern.
Fianna Fail Senator Malcolm Byrne said the letter was subsequently published on the official website of the President of Ireland – a move he described as “appalling”.
The letter appears to have been removed from the website.
“Mrs Higgins is entitled to her personal opinion and to express it, although I believe she is totally wrong to try to see an equality in the positions of Ukraine and Russia,” said Mr Byrne.
“However, the decision to publish the letter on the president’s website raises serious questions.
“It is the duty of the President of Ireland to express now clearly the strong support of the Irish people for the people of Ukraine and that we hold Russia responsible for the war and continuing barbarity.
“Ireland should be justifiably proud of our response to the invasion of Ukraine.”
Fine Gael Senator John McGahon criticized the letter heavily.
“The letter from Sabina Higgins was inappropriate, useless and distasteful,” he tweeted.
“Her views are completely separate from those of the Irish people and such interventions are seen as a tacit endorsement of the Russian regime.”
The president’s office has been contacted for comment.