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Independent Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae required hospital treatment after he was attacked through the open window of his car while stopped in traffic in Dublin on Wednesday afternoon. The incident, which left him with facial and head injuries, has prompted a Garda appeal for witnesses and fresh political condemnation.
What happened
Gardai say the assault occurred shortly after 4pm on Cork Street, near the Coombe in Dublin’s south inner city, as the TD was driving home from Leinster House. A single man is reported to have approached the vehicle and struck Mr Healy-Rae through the open window before fleeing the scene.
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The attack is described as unprovoked. Officers attended quickly and brought the TD to Kevin Street Garda Station for initial treatment. He was then taken by ambulance to St Vincent’s University Hospital, where he received stitches to the head and face and was discharged later that evening.
Family statements indicated Mr Healy-Rae intended to return to Kerry as soon as possible.
Police inquiries
No arrests have been made and Garda investigations are ongoing. Detectives are examining the TD’s car and collecting CCTV from the Cork Street area as they work to identify the attacker.
Gardai have asked anyone who witnessed the assault, or who has camera footage from the vicinity at the time, to come forward. It is understood the vehicle bears the TD’s name and branding, and this has led to speculation that he may have been recognised before the assault.
Political reaction
The assault drew swift cross-party condemnation. Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he was “deeply shocked and concerned”, adding that “violence has no place in a democracy”. Tanaiste Simon Harris said there was “absolutely no place for violence or intimidation in our democracy”.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan described the incident as “an attack on democracy” and warned that assaults on public representatives “will not be tolerated”. Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy said she was “deeply shocked” and said she was heartened to hear the TD was in good spirits.
Speaking in the Dáil, Mr Healy-Rae’s brother, fellow Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae, said the attack was “not good enough” and insisted such incidents “shouldn’t happen to public representatives”.
