An assault that resulted in Independent TD for Kerry Michael Healy-Rae being hospitalised on Wednesday has been branded an “attack on democracy”, as gardaí urged witnesses to provide video footage for their investigation.
Gardaí are still investigating the assault, which occurred on Cork Street in Dublin city centre, shortly after 4pm on Wednesday. No arrest has been made.
Mr Healy-Rae was assaulted by a man while stopped in traffic. At the time of the incident, he was on the phone with his son, Jackie Healy-Rae Junior.
Justice minister Jim O’Callaghan warned that attacks on any members of the Oireachtas will not be tolerated.
“Any attack on a member of the Oireachtas because they are a member of the Oireachtas is an attack on democracy,” he said.
“We should all resolutely stand together in this House in condemning any such attacks.
“People are entitled to have different views politically, but what we will not tolerate is being targeted or violence being used against them simply because they don’t share the same political views as others.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was “deeply shocked and concerned” by the reports about Mr Healy-Rae.
“It is worth repeating. Violence has no place in a democracy, and those elected to represent the people must be allowed to do their work without fear of abuse or assault,” he said.
It is understood Mr Healy-Rae had left Leinster House and was stopped at traffic lights on Cork Street in central Dublin on Wednesday afternoon when the altercation occurred.
It is alleged that an individual started shouting at the TD before approaching his car.
His brother Danny said that Michael Healy-Rae had been “hit in the window”.
Gardaí from Kevin Street station responded to the scene shortly after 4pm. Mr Healy-Rae was subsequently taken to Kevin Street Garda Station before being brought by ambulance to St Vincent’s University Hospital.
Sources close to Mr Healy-Rae said he was moved to a Garda car from his own vehicle to be brought to Kevin Street station to wait for an ambulance.
Mr Healy-Rae was released from hospital late on Wednesday.
In a statement, gardaí said: “It is understood that a male motorist in his late 50s was approached and assaulted by a lone male while stopped in traffic.
“The injured man was brought to Kevin Street station, where he received medical treatment. His injuries are not life-threatening.
“No arrests have been made and inquiries are ongoing. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone who may have camera footage from the area at the time, to contact them.”
Mr Healy-Rae’s son said it was lucky that his father’s injuries were not “too serious”.
“I could hear everything that was happening… I could hear someone shouting from a distance and then an awful commotion. It turned to chaos,” Mr Healy-Rae Jr told Radio Kerry this morning.
A video shared online showed Mr Healy-Rae’s branded car stopped in the middle of a Dublin street, with several gardaí speaking to the driver.
Mr Healy-Rae can be seen stepping out of the driver’s side of the car before walking with uniformed gardaí to a squad car and stepping into the back of the vehicle.
No assault is seen in the clip. The video was subsequently taken down.
Speaking in the Dáil, Danny Healy-Rae said: “It is something that is hurting me, as much as anyone else.
“These shouldn’t happen to public representatives. [Do] we get elected to hit a fella in the window without being able to defend himself?
“I hope you’ll be alright before morning, and that you’ll be OK tomorrow.”
In a post on social media, Tánaiste Simon Harris said he was “very concerned” and had spoken to Michael Healy-Rae.
“There is absolutely no place for violence or intimidation in our democracy,” he said.
“Every citizen, including every public representative, has the right to go about their work and their life without fear.”
Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy said: “I was deeply shocked to learn of the assault on Deputy Michael Healy-Rae. On hearing the news, I contacted him and was heartened to hear that he is in good spirits.
“I trust that his injuries are not too serious and wish him a full and speedy recovery. I know that the people of Kerry, whom he represents in Dáil Éireann, will share a deep concern for his well-being.
“Earlier today, I addressed the Dáil on our shared responsibility to uphold the dignity, safety and well-being of Members, staff and all those who engage with the work of the Houses.
“This is a very serious and extremely concerning development. As Ceann Comhairle, I condemn violence against any elected representative. My thoughts are with Michael and his family.”
Louise Burne, Political Correspondent