Man Arrested After Assaulting Women Canvassing with McDonald

UPDATE: A man in his 30s has been arrested following a disturbing incident involving the alleged assault of two women canvassing for candidate Catherine Connolly in North Strand Road, Dublin. The incident unfolded shortly before 4 PM on Friday, October 27, 2023, as Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald joined the canvassing team.

Witness accounts and video footage circulating online show a man confronting the canvassers, threatening to “deck” and “slap” them. Authorities responded swiftly to reports of the incident and confirmed that two women were assaulted. While they did not require immediate medical attention at the scene, one woman later sought further assessment at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital.

On Saturday, October 28, Garda officials announced the arrest of the suspect, who is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. He can be questioned for up to 24 hours, as investigations continue. A Garda spokesperson stated, “Investigations are ongoing,” emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

This incident raises serious concerns about safety during political canvassing, particularly in light of the ongoing electoral campaigns. The emotional impact on the victims and the broader community cannot be understated. Residents and political figures alike are calling for measures to ensure the safety of individuals participating in democratic processes.

As this story develops, authorities are encouraging anyone with further information to come forward. Stay tuned for updates as the situation unfolds, and share this news to keep others informed about this urgent incident in Dublin.