Healy-Rae makes his mind up after bizarre Garda 'shove'
Footage widely shared on social media appeared to show the Independent TD being pushed by a member of An Garda Síochána.
In the most widely viewed clip, the Kerry man is seen waving his arms in a jubilant manner as he gets roaring fans pumped up for the match. Independent Danny Healy Rae TD at Leinster House. Pic: Sam Boal/Collins Photo
Healy-Rae then turns to walk away before a Garda appears to push him as they pass. The TD then turns around and exchanges words with the officer who seems to fling something to the floor before stepping forward while audible boos emerge from the surrounding crowd.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Healy-Rae had said that he was considering filing a complaint over the incident. However, speaking to The Journal on Monday, he said he's decided against taking formal action.
'I was upset yesterday evening when it happened. There was no need for it,' he said. 'It would be nice if he apologised, but I'm going no further with it. Let his superiors deal with it. I'm doing no more.' Footage widely shared on social media appeared to show the Independent TD being pushed by a member of An Garda Síochána.
He added: 'I don't know what his problem was, or what excuse he had. I don't know.'
Despite the incident, the Kerry TD praised the Garda presence overall: 'I think the rest of the guards did an excellent job yesterday. I've been shoved and pushed before, and I'm alright today. Look, he was wrong—but the rest of them are always fine.'
Asked for a response to the incident, a Garda spokesperson said: 'Anyone who wishes to report the conduct of a member of An Garda Síochána is entitled to make a complaint to the independent policing ombudsman, Fiosrú.'
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