Interesting parallel with the Trump/Musk bromance; the Irish politician might have been influenced by kompromat but still went willingly enough for ideological reasons. Hostile state activity or gunning for leverage in the US presidential election, this type of ego is easily manipulated.

HVhelenebismarck.bsky.socialOct 6, 2024 1:59pm

This is one hell of a story. www.thetimes.com/article/1a16...

How a Russian operative snared an Irish politician

Classic Cold War tradecraft lured a sitting member of the Oireachtas to offer his services to a spy