Man arrested after car crashes through gates at Sinn Féin TD’s home

Leitrim incident was ‘distressing and traumatic’ for Martin Kenny’s wife and family, party said

A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of endangerment after a car crashed through the gates of the family home of Co Leitrim TD Martin Kenny, early on Thursday morning.

Gardaí said the man was arrested on Friday and is being held at Carrick-On-Shannon Garda station.

The Garda said the incident happened at Aughavas near Ballinamore at about 2am and a man aged in his late 40s, understood to have been the driver of the car, was taken to Cavan General Hospital to be treated for injuries.

Sinn Féin TD Martin Kenny has thanked the emergency services following a “distressing and traumatic” incident .

READ MORE

Mr Kenny’s wife was at home alone at the time of the incident. It is understood the vehicle drove at speed through the electric gates.

A Sinn Féin spokesperson said: “This was a distressing and traumatic incident for Martin’s wife and family.

“We are glad they are unhurt, and everyone extends solidarity to Martin and his family at this time.

“Martin has thanked the emergency services for their speedy response.

“As there is a live Garda investigation into this incident, we cannot comment further.”

Three years ago the Sinn Féin justice spokesman’s car was burned outside the house and Mr Kenny has been the subject of death threats thought to be linked with his condemnation of attacks on asylum seekers. Sinn Féin party leader, Mary Lou McDonald, previously described the burning of Mr Kenny’s car as “a despicable act perpetrated by criminal thugs”. - Additional reporting PA

Tim O'Brien

Tim O'Brien

Tim O'Brien is an Irish Times journalist