A man has been arrested regarding the investigation into an assault on Michael Healy-Rae in Dublin yesterday afternoon.
The man, who is believed to be in his 50s, was arrested and is held at Kevin Street Garda Station.
This happened after Kerry TD, Healy-Rae had been travelling in his own vehicle on Cork Street, Dublin Street at around 4.10pm, before being struck by a man through his car window. He was taken from the road by gardaí who were quickly on the scene following the incident.
Mr Healy-Rae was taken to St Vincent's University Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries, before being discharged at 9pm last night.
It was reported that the TD was in Leinster House earlier that day, and was travelling on his way home prior to his assault.
However, despite his undoubtedly traumatic ordeal, Mr Healy-Rae said in a statement that he will not be discouraged from his work as a politician.
"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", Healy-Rae said.
"However, we do need to have a serious conversation about the growing toxicity directed towards politicians and public representatives", he continued. "Disagreement and robust political debate are entirely legitimate, but personal abuse, intimidation and violence can never be accepted or normalised in a democratic society".
The Kerry TD also thanked the paramedics at St Vincent's Hospital, as well as gardaí at Kevin Street Garda Station "for the care and assistance they gave me".
"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 added.
He went on to say that he looks forward to "getting back to work in the coming days", having returned home to Kilgarvan.
His family revealed that Michael will recuperate for the next few days, as he recovers from his injuries, with his son saying he is "a bit shook and a bit sore". (Quotes according to RTÉ).
Jackie Healy-Rae spoke to Radio Kerry, where he said that thankfully, his father's injuries were "not too serious".
He also revealed that he had been speaking to his father when the incident happened.
"I could hear everything that was happening... I could hear someone shouting from a distance and then an awful commotion... it turned to chaos", he said, while explaining that his father was "blindsided" by a man who approached him, before attacking him. The window of Healy-Rae's car was down prior to his attack.
Gardaí have issued an appeal for witnesses, especially anyone with camera footage from the area in question at time, to come forward, and contact Kevin Street Garda Station 01 6669400 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.
Earlier today, Garda Assistant Commissioner for the Dublin Metropolitan Region, Jonathan Rogers had said that Mr Healy-Rae's role as an elected politician could not ruled out as a motivation for his attack.
