No country should feel immune from terrorism - ex-CIA chief

Former CIA Director John Brennan. Picture: AP

Claire Murphy

Former CIA director John Brennan has said that no country should feel immune from a terrorist attack or having terrorists use their country for "whatever purposes".

The ex-intelligence chief, whose parents are from Co Roscommon, stepped down from his position when Donald Trump was elected president.

He complimented the professionalism of former FBI director James Comey, who gave evidence to Congress yesterday.

In a reference to Mr Comey's comment that he had not shown any reaction when Mr Trump called for his loyalty, Mr Brennan said he did not think he could have been "as stoical".

"My face probably would have shown my feelings," he said in an interview with 'Today with Sean O'Rourke'. When asked if he could have worked with President Trump, Mr Brennan said: "I was finished at noon on inauguration day."

He said he had been privileged to work with six presidents, with whom he did not always agree but felt they were trying to do their best for the country and not themselves, adding: "I think my time was best finished on January 20."

Speaking about the terror threat, he said no country should feel immune from a terrorist attack or having terrorists use their country for "whatever purposes".

But he said he knew the Irish leadership was aware of the need to "stay vigilant" and that British police had close relationships with the Garda, frequently sharing information.