Sinn Fein councillor recovering after vicious attack

Local Sinn Fein councillor John Dwyer has been viciously attacked outside his home in New Ross overnight.

The politician was at his home in Mary Street in the town with his partner and child, when the incident occurred.

Shortly before 1am last night Councillor Dwyer heard a noise outside his home and when he went to investigate the disturbance he was attacked by two men, one of whom was brandishing a broken bottle.

Councillor Dwyer suffered blows to the head and was immediately brought to Ardkeen Hospital in Waterford.

He received 45 stitches to his head and four to his hand; however, he was later discharged and is now recovering at home.

Two men who are known to gardai and who were spotted in the area at the time have now been arrested and were detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

The scene of the attack is currently being examined by investigating officers and a motive is yet to be established.