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Website against government deal 'being retweeted by Russian bots'

One of Fianna Fáil’s negotiators in the Programme for Government says Russian bots are retweet...
Jack Quann
Jack Quann

11.22 16 Jun 2020


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Website against government dea...

Website against government deal 'being retweeted by Russian bots'

Jack Quann
Jack Quann

11.22 16 Jun 2020


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One of Fianna Fáil’s negotiators in the Programme for Government says Russian bots are retweeting an anonymous website claiming to represent some party members.

Thomas Byrne is criticising the site, which claims a group of party members will not support the new deal.

It contains pictures of and quotes from several TDs and councillors against the plan.

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However it has no listed postal address or phone number.

It also has Twitter and Facebook accounts set up in the same name.

Deputy Byrne told Pat Kenny the 'Fairer Future' page is anonymous and needs to be investigated.

"Can I just say about the 'Fairer Future' - I haven't spoken to Éamon Ó Cuív or John McGuinness.

"It's not true to say John McGuinness opposed the deal; he certainly didn't oppose the deal at the parliamentary party.

"I read on a news article that both of them said they were not associated with 'Fairer Future'.

"I've seen two councillors already online, and I think more, who have said they are not associated with it - despite the fact that their names have been added to this.

"They say there are 50 councillors, there's a list of about 35, and as I say already I think there's between two and four that I have seen that are complaining that their names are added incorrectly to this.

"And I'm calling on whoever is responsible for this website - because it's completely anonymous - it is being retweeted by Russian bots, which is absolutely extraordinary in the internal affairs of a political party in this country.

"Are they registered with SIPO, what is the story about it and how has this sprung up?

"Every member of Fianna Fáil has their say and will have their say".

Mr Byrne says he is contacting party members to discuss this with them.

On the deal, he said he is hoping for strong support.

"What they are being asked to vote on is the election of a Fianna Fáil Taoiseach, and strong Fianna Fáil participation in a government.

"And to get a change of direction in some of the issues that clearly were of consequences in the general election.

"I think that Fianna Fáil members will support that".

Main image: The landing page of the fairerfuture.ie website. Picture by: Jack Quann

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Fairer Future Fianna Fáil Pat Kenny Programme For Government Russian Bots Thomas Byrne

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