The attack, which left independent Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae in hospital on Wednesday, has been branded an “attack on democracy” as gardaí appealed for witnesses to provide footage to the investigation.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan warned that attacks on any members of the Oireachtas would not be tolerated.
“Any attack on a Member of Parliament because he is a Member of Parliament is an attack on democracy,” he said.
“We must all resolutely unite in this House and condemn any such attacks.
“People have the right to have different political views, but we will not tolerate harassment or violence being used against them simply because they do not share the same political views as others.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was “deeply shocked and concerned” by the reports about Mr Healy-Rae.
“It bears repeating. Violence has no place in a democracy and those elected to represent the people must be allowed to do their jobs without fear of abuse or attack,” he said.
It is understood Mr Healy-Rae left Leinster House and was stopped at traffic lights on Cork Street in Dublin city center on Wednesday afternoon when an argument occurred.
It is alleged that the man began shouting at the TD before approaching the car.
His brother Danny said Michael Healy-Rae was “kicked through the window”.
Gardaí from Kevin Street station attended the scene shortly after 4pm. Healy-Rae was subsequently taken to Kevin Street Garda Station and then taken by ambulance to St Vincent’s University Hospital.
Sources close to Mr Healy-Rae said he was transferred to a Garda vehicle from his own vehicle to be driven to Kevin Street station to wait for an ambulance.
In a statement, gardaí said: “It is understood that a male motorist, aged in his 50s, was approached and assaulted by a lone man while stopped in traffic,” they said.
“The victim was taken to Kevin Street Station where he was treated for injuries that were not life-threatening.
“No arrests have been made and inquiries continue. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone who may have CCTV footage in the area, to contact them.”
Video posted online showed Mr Healy-Rae’s signature car stopped in the middle of a Dublin street as several police officers spoke to the driver.
Mr Healy-Rae is seen exiting the driver’s side of the car, then walking in his garda uniform towards the patrol car and getting into the back of the car.
There is no attack visible in the video. The video was subsequently deleted.
Speaking to the Dáil, Danny Healy-Rae said: “It hurts me as much as it does everyone else.
“This should not happen to members of the public. [Do] were we chosen to punch a guy through a window without being able to defend ourselves?
“I hope you’ll be fine by morning and you’ll be fine tomorrow.” In a post on social media, Tánaiste Simon Harris said he was “very concerned” and had spoken to Michael Healy-Rae.
“There is absolutely no place for violence or intimidation in our democracy,” he said.
“Every citizen, including every member of the public, has the right to go about their work and their lives without fear.”
Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy said: “I was deeply shocked to learn of the attack on MP Michael Healy-Rae. After hearing the news I contacted him and was heartened to hear he was in good spirits.
“I believe his injuries are not too serious and wish him a full and speedy recovery. I know that the Kerry people he represents in Dáil Éireann will share his deep concern for his well-being.
“Earlier today I addressed the Dáil about our shared responsibility to maintain the dignity, safety and well-being of members, staff and all those involved in the work of the chambers.
“This is a very serious and extremely worrying event. Like Sinn Comhairle, I condemn violence against any elected representative. My thoughts are with Michael and his family.”
The incident comes just a day after a man in his 60s was arrested at the National Plowing Championships after he allegedly tried to attack Taoiseach Michel Martin.
Gardaí said the arrest was made shortly after 12pm on Tuesday 15 September.
No injuries were reported.
The man was taken to Offaly Police Station, charged and released to appear in the District Court at a later date.
- Louise Burn, political correspondent