Independent Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae was left needing hospital treatment after being assaulted through the open window of his car while stopped in traffic in Dublin.
Here is what we know after fresh details emerged on Thursday morning.
What happened
Mr Healy-Rae was driving home from Leinster House on Wednesday afternoon when he was attacked on Cork Street, near the Coombe in the south inner city, shortly after 4pm.
It is understood a lone man approached the car and punched him through the open window before fleeing the scene. The assault was totally unprovoked.
Gardai were quickly on the scene and brought the TD to Kevin Street Garda Station, where he received initial treatment, before an ambulance took him to St Vincent’s University Hospital.
He needed stitches for injuries to his head and face and was discharged later that evening. His family said he intended to return to Kerry as soon as possible.
The investigation
No arrests have been made and Garda inquiries are ongoing. Gardai have appealed for witnesses, and in particular for anyone with camera footage from the Cork Street area at the time to come forward.
Officers are understood to be examining the TD’s car and gathering CCTV from the area as they work to identify the attacker.
It is understood Mr Healy-Rae, whose car carries his name and branding on the side, may have been recognised before the attack.
The reaction
The assault was condemned across the political spectrum. Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he was ‘deeply shocked and concerned’, adding that ‘violence has no place in a democracy’. Tanaiste Simon Harris said there was ‘absolutely no place for violence or intimidation in our democracy’.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan described it as ‘an attack on democracy’ and warned that attacks on public representatives ‘will not be tolerated’.
Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy said she was ‘deeply shocked’, and had been heartened to hear the TD was in good spirits.
His brother, fellow Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae, told the Dail the attack was ‘not good enough’, saying such things ‘shouldn’t happen to public representatives’.
