Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae was punched through his car window in Dublin’s Coombe area on Wednesday afternoon, sustaining facial injuries and requiring hospitalization.
Michael Healy-Rae, a Kerry TD and son of Danny Healy-Rae, was assaulted while driving through Dublin city center on Wednesday shortly after 4pm. According to multiple reports, the 59-year-old was stopped in traffic when a man approached his white Skoda with Michael Healy-Rae
signage and punched him through the open car window. The incident, which left Healy-Rae with facial cuts and a head injury, occurred near the Coombe hospital in the south inner city.
The Attack and Immediate Aftermath
Healy-Rae’s son, Cllr Jackie Healy-Rae Jr, described the attack in a statement to Radio Kerry, recounting how he heard an awful commotion
during a phone call with his father. I could hear someone shouting from a distance and then an awful commotion. It turned to chaos,
he said. Gardaí responded swiftly, taking Healy-Rae to Kevin Street Garda station before transporting him to St Vincent’s University Hospital for treatment. He was later discharged on Wednesday evening.
Witnesses reported the assailant fleeing the scene, with unconfirmed reports locally that he was walking a dog at the time. Gardaí have not made any arrests but are investigating the incident as a spur-of-the-moment
attack, emphasizing that the perpetrator was not part of any protest group in the area at the time. A video circulating online showed Healy-Rae exiting his vehicle and walking with uniformed officers to a garda car, though no direct footage of the assault was seen.
I hope he’ll be all right.
The TD’s injuries were described as not life-threatening
but required stitches, with reports indicating he was shaken and shocked
after the incident.
Political Condemnation and Calls for Justice
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan condemned the attack as an attack on democracy,
warning that violence against Oireachtas members would 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. Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy described the incident as a very serious and extremely concerning development,
urging the public to support the investigation.
Gardaí have appealed for witnesses, particularly those with camera footage from the area, to come forward. A spokesperson stated, It is understood that a male motorist in his late 50s was approached and assaulted by a lone male while stopped in traffic. No arrests have been made and inquiries are ongoing.
The investigation includes a forensic examination of Healy-Rae’s car and analysis of CCTV from the area.
Broader Implications for Political Safety
The attack has reignited debates about the safety of public representatives in Ireland. Danny Healy-Rae noted, It’s not like it was in years gone by. Now, when you come into Leinster House at eight in the morning, there are barriers up.
This sentiment was echoed by other TDs, who highlighted the need for enhanced security measures for politicians.
Healy-Rae’s recovery remains a focus, with his family expressing hope for a full return to work.
As the investigation continues, the assault has underscored the growing risks faced by politicians in Ireland. With no arrests made and the attacker still at large, the public is urged to assist gardaí in identifying the individual responsible for the attack.