TD assaulted at hospital protest rally

A Fine Gael TD last night confirmed that he had been “physically assaulted” by a woman as he left the stage at a rally in support of retaining services for the elderly at a local hospital.

Peter Fitzpatrick was one of three Government deputies who were not allowed to address the crowd of some 700 who took part in the march on Saturday afternoon in support of retaining long-term care for the elderly at the Cottage Hospital in Drogheda.

The alleged assault took place as he was leaving the stage after being prevented from using the microphone.