TD attacked by anti-water charges protester during day of high drama at the first meeting of the new Dáil

A leading Fianna Fáil TD was attacked by a protester outside Leinster House this afternoon as the first meeting of the 32nd Dáil kicked off with a number of incidents hitting the headlines.

Newly elected Clare TD Timmy Dooley was returning from lunch in the city centre with his wife when he was attacked on Molesworth Street by a lone protester who grabbed him by the tie and swung a punch towards him.

Another Fianna Fáil TD, Billy Kelleher, jumped in to intervene, but he was also set on by the angry protester. Gardaí have asked the Dáil deputies if they wish to make a statement on the incident, but the Independent.ie are reporting that Mr Dooley has yet to decide whether or not he wishes to make a complaint against the attacker.

It has been a day of high tension outside Leinster House, as around 200 anti-water charge protesters have gathered outside the government building this afternoon.

The Healy-Rae brothers had earlier caused a stir when they instigated a Céili outside Leinster House, resulting in the blockage of Kildare Street for a period of time. The street is now closed due to the anti-water charges protest.