Fianna Fáil TD attacked by water protestor outside Dáil
By Fiachra Ó Cionnaith, Political Reporter
A leading Fianna Fáil TD has brushed off an incident with a water protester outside the Dáil this afternoon which saw a man grab him by the tie and throw a punch at him.
Transport spokesperson Timmy Dooley downplayed the incident after it took place during the return of the Dáil today.
During a midday break in proceedings the Clare TD was approached on Molesworth Street directly outside the gates of Leinster House, where a water protest was taking place.
One man grabbed Mr Dooley's tie and attempted to punch the politician, before he was stopped by party colleague and health spokesperson Billy Kelleher.
Mr Dooley said this afternoon what happened was minor and was nothing to worry about.
Mr Kelleher told the Irish Examiner it was "nothing major, just one person who was very threatening".
"I intervened in a gentle manner to diffuse the situation," he said.
