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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
National
Kim oLeary

RTE Late Late Show viewers hail 'inspirational' Mary McAleese and Mary Robinson's reaction to Ukraine crisis

Late Late Show viewers have praised former presidents Mary McAleese and Mary Robinson are "inspirational" for their strong views on the invasion of Ukraine by Russian.

Speaking to Ryan Tubridy tonight, Mary McAleese's critique of the Russian ambassador Yury Filatov that had everyone talking.

She said: "I have written to him three times and in terms that I could never publish. I have never had contempt for another human being. But I have contempt for that man and everything that he represents.’

Visibly emotional, Ms McAleese said that she was, "in a way, thankful for what he has done" referring to Mr Filatov’s comments that Ireland was a bastion of anti-Russian sentiment.

She said: "After all, I am sure that Putin would not be impressed that a small nation like Ireland, a nation that is traditionally neutral that is so against this invasion.

"We have clarified that we are militarily but not politically neutral."

Viewers were quick to weigh in on social media with their praise for the former presidents.

One viewer wrote: "What an interview with Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese. I admire both women so much. I know they are very different but goodness they are the best of us.

Another said: "I’m actually welling up listening to Mary McAleese explaining why she’s opening up her home, so inspirational."

"I have so much respect for Mary McAleese. To openly talk about her contempt for the Russsin Ambassador to Ireland and the reasons why. So unlike her, l applaud her."

A third person wrote: "I don't often watch the #LateLateShow but watching this evening reminds me of how proud we should be as a nation of our two previous Presidents, Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese."

Read more: Late Late Show line-up might be the best this year with a major music star, a top RTE reporter, and two incredible Marys

Read more: RTE Late Late Show viewers raise €3 million for Irish Red Cross Ukraine appeal

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