A prominent pro-life Irish politician who was assaulted on September 16 while driving has said that he “will not be deterred” from continuing his work. Michael Healy-Rae TD urged a public conversation about toxicity directed towards public representatives.
Healy-Rae, TD for Kerry, had stopped at a traffic light in central Dublin when he was attacked by a man. Following the attack, he was treated at St Vincent’s University Hospital and has since been released, but required stitches for a head wound.
During the attack, Healy-Rae was punched through the open window of the car.
During a press conference held on September 17, Gardaí announced that a man had been arrested in connection with the assault. Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Roberts said Gardaí had “good CCTV footage of the incident”.
Roberts stated: “Obviously Deputy Healy-Rae is a well-known public figure, and the motivation cannot be ruled out that it was due to his role as an elected representative. But we can't be certain of that."
Healy-Rae released a statement the following day, in which he thanked the Gardaí, ambulance crew and staff at the hospital for the care and assistance they provided him.
“I am also deeply grateful to the thousands of people from Kerry and across the country who have contacted me and my family. Your kindness and good wishes have meant a great deal to us,” he said. “Whatever the intention behind this attack, I will not be deterred from continuing my work or from representing the people of Kerry to the very best of my ability.
“However, we do need to have a serious conversation about the growing toxicity directed towards politicians and public representatives. 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 stated that he was back in Kerry and looked forward to returning to work, stating that he trusted the Gardaí would “find the perpetrator and bring him to justice”.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin responded to the incident, saying that he was “deeply shocked and concerned” by the assault.
"I have sent my best regards to Michael and his family this evening and wished him a full recovery from his injuries,” he said.
"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."
Tánaiste Simon Harris said he was “very concerned” by the news of the incident.
“I’ve spoken to Michael Healy-Rae and sent him my best wishes for a full recovery. 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. I also want to commend those who responded to the incident.”
Image credit: Houses of the Oireachtas
