Fine Gael TD denies hitting woman with car
A Fine Gael TD has denied hitting a woman with his car outside his constituency office last night.
It follows claims made online against Ray Butler, who represents Meath West, arising out of a protest about evictions and in support of water protesters in Trim.
Gardaí confirm they are investigating a non-serious road traffic collision at Finnegan's Way in the town shortly before 10pm.
A woman - who was reportedly protesting at a threatened eviction from her home - was assessed at the scene by ambulance crew and afterwards was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes hospital in Drogheda for further assessment.
Speaking this morning, Deputy Butler said he was 100% sure he did not hit a woman with his car.
"I moved the car two feet to straighten it to move out," he said. "I could see (this lady) in the rear view mirror. She jumped on the back of the car…The car was in the one place.
"She was never on the ground. She was standing."
He said the protest involved between 20 and 30 people who were wearing hoods. He said the protesters first arrived outside his home. He was not there, but his wife and two daughters were.
He said his third daughter arrived home from camogie training and began to cry when she saw the protesters outside the house.
He said the protest then moved to his constituency office, where he was having a meeting.
The incident with his car took place as he was leaving the office.
In a facebook post, the protesters said they were taking part in "a silent candlelit vigil outside the home of local Fine Gael TD Ray Butler to highlight the political policing and to show solidarity with the water meter protesters currently on hunger strike".
