Patrick O’Donovan health update, Digi Mart USA News (Ireland): Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has said his party colleague, Limerick TD Patrick O’Donovan, is “doing well” and that colleagues are looking forward to his return to work as soon as possible. Harris, who is Tanaiste and Finance Minister, said he remains in regular contact with O’Donovan and his family.
O’Donovan has been hospitalised twice after suffering a suspected seizure related to his epilepsy last month, according to the report. Harris said he had visited him in recent weeks and would not provide a running commentary on his health out of respect for him.
Harris also spoke at the Limerick Chamber Regional Business Awards, where he was keynote speaker, and criticised anonymous online comments about O’Donovan’s health. He said there is “no place” for such “anonymous trolls” and described the wider coarsening of public dialogue as harmful.
Limerick Mayor John Moran also condemned the online remarks, saying they are hurtful to O’Donovan’s family, who are seeing the abuse while he is in hospital. Council members have agreed to send a letter of support to the TD.
Moran noted that O’Donovan is deeply involved in the EU presidency, and said that stepping away from that role would be difficult. He said the Government is supportive of giving him the time he needs to recover fully.
