INDEPENDENT TD MICHAEL Healy-Rae was assaulted today by a member of the public while driving his car through Dublin city. 

Healy-Rae was on his way home from Dáil Éireann when the incident occurred near the Coombe hospital on Cork Street while he was stopped in traffic.

It is understood Healy-Rae is currently in hospital recovering from his injuries.

In videos posted online, three gardaí and a person appearing to be wearing scrubs can be seen speaking to Healy-Rae in his vehicle before he exits the car and walks slowly over to a garda car and gets inside. 

Speaking to The Journal, Healy-Rae’s brother, fellow Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae, said he has not spoken to his brother since it happened, but that he hopes he is doing okay.

He added that you “expect to be safe” in your car.

Speaking in the Dáil a short while ago, an emotional Healy-Rae said he was “very disappointed” with the news. 

“It’s not on. He was just doing his work or wherever he was going, stopped on the road, and someone hit him in the window. It’s not good enough. 

“I hope he’ll be alright. I hope his family will be all right. It’s something that’s hurting me as much as anyone else,” he said.

He added that this sort of thing should not happen to public representatives.

“We get elected to help the people, not to hurt them… We are doing our best and tis unfair to hit a fella in the window without being able to defend himself. 

“I hope he’ll be alright before morning and that he’ll be out again tomorrow,” he said.

Condemnation 

In a statement, Tánaiste Simon Harris said he is “very concerned by the news of the incident involving Deputy Michael Healy-Rae this evening.”

“I have spoken to Michael and sent him my best wishes for a full recovery. 

“There is absolutely no place for violence or intimidation in our democracy. Every citizen, including every public representative, has the right to go about their work and their life without fear. 

“I also want to commend those who responded to the incident,” said Harris. 

Addressing the Dáil, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said he had received an update from the gardaí. He said he wished to express his best wishes and a speedy recovery to his Dáil colleague.

He said an attack on a member of the Oireachtas is an attack on democracy and everyone in the Dáil should resolutely condemn such an attack. 

While he said people can hold different views, he won’t tolerate people being targeted for it. 

Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy told the Dáil this evening that she is “deeply shocked to say the least” about the attack on Michael Healy-Rae.

She wished his family well, stating that she is sure they are deeply concerned. 

“This is a very serious and deeply disturbing development,” she added. 

TD Carol Nolan wished Healy-Rae well and condemned the attack.

“I understand that Michael was subjected to an unprovoked assault earlier today and I wish to condemn that in the strongest possible terms,” she said.

Gardaí confirmed to The Journal that shortly after 4pm, gardaí from Kevin Street responded to reports of an incident on Cork Street, Dublin.

“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.”

Gardaí said no arrests have been made and inquiries are ongoing.

Gardaí said they are appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone who may have camera footage from the area at the time, to contact them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kevin Street Garda Station 01 6669400 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.