Politician ‘will not be deterred’ after assault in Dublin

An Irish politician who was assaulted after his car was stopped in traffic in central Dublin has said he “will not be deterred” from continuing his work.

Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae was attacked by a man after 16:00 local time on Wednesday.

Healy-Rae was stopped at traffic lights on Cork Street when a passer-by walked over to the open car window and punched him in the face.

In a statement on social media, he said: “We do need to have a serious conversation about the growing toxicity directed towards politicians and public representatives.”

Healy-Rae was discharged from St Vincent’s Hospital just before 21:00 on Wednesday, having needed stitches to a wound, according to RTÉ.

The Kerry politician had been in Leinster House and was on his way home when the incident occurred.

Gardaí (Irish police) said he first received medical treatment at Kevin Street Station.

They have appealed to anyone with camera footage to come forward.

In his statement, Healy-Rae also said: “Disagreement and robust political debate are entirely legitimate, but personal abuse, intimidation and violence can never be accepted or normalised in a democratic society.”

He thanked the emergency services and his constituents and said “whatever the intention of the attack” it won’t stop him from “representing the people of Kerry”.

He said he was back in his constituency and plans on “getting back to work” in the next few days.