THE chairman of the recently re-established Scottish Unionist Party (SUP) has provoked criticism and mockery after drawing comparisons between Russia and Ireland, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Writing on Twitter in response to condemnation of Russia’s actions from the Irish Government, SUP chairman Dr Jon Stanley said: “Ireland is this week condemning Russia for ... doing what Ireland has been doing for a century.

“Doesn’t respect its neighbour. Runs a hybrid war. Supports terrorism throughout its history and continues to threaten terrorism, uses every trick in the book to coerce its neighbour.”

READ MORE: Boris Johnson to lead crisis meeting as Russia launches 'full-scale' invasion

Stanley continued: “It really is outrageous isn’t it? No other country except Ireland and Russia nonchalantly, casually, interferes with the sovereignty and running of its neighbour.

“What has the UK got from engaging with terrorists? What did the French and Spanish do? Who’s come off better?”

Stanley’s posts quickly attracted international attention and thousands of reactions on the social media platform, ranging from bafflement to derision.

“In the battle for the most embarrassing Russia takes this one is up there,” tweeted Our Republic founder Tristan Gray.

The National:

“The greatest trick Putin ever pulled was convincing the world the Irish menace didn’t exist,” joked Washington DC-based Irish journalist Colm Quinn.

“Some said it was impossible. That they were mad to try. But with hard work, grit, and determination, an English [sic] right-winger has found a way to blame the Ukraine/Russia situation on the Irish,” commented the American writer Dan O’Sullivan.

“Ah yes Ireland the country which *checks notes* has never invaded another country in all recorded history and was a colony of England for 900 years. Imperialism is a hell of a drug kids”, added the historian Dr Gary Girod.

READ MORE: Russian invasion: UK flights ordered to avoid Ukraine airspace

The SUP was originally formed in 1986 in protest at the Anglo-Irish Agreement, and was re-registered with the Electoral Commission (EC) earlier this month after not running candidates in any major elections since 2007.

Stanley became SUP chairman, as well as the party’s nominating officer and treasurer, after standing as a Central Scotland list candidate for George Galloway’s failed All for Unity party last year. Prior to that, Stanley was also a 2015 Scottish UKIP candidate, but resigned from the party over what he described as “open racism and sanctimonious bullying within the party.”

Reacting to the SUP’s reformation, the polling expert Professor John Curtice told the National earlier this month: “I wouldn’t have thought the Tories would be worried.”