Senators express shock and support for critically ill colleague after serious fall

Senators expressed their shock yesterday at the injury suffered by

Labour

Senator

Jimmy Harte

(55) in a fall in Dublin last weekend.

On the Order of Business his colleagues voiced their support for the recovery of the Letterkenny, Co Donegal, politician who suffered serious head injuries in a fall in the south inner city. Found collapsed at Newmarket Square early on Saturday, he was taken to Beaumont Hospital with a fractured skull. He remains in a critical but stable condition.

Seanad leader Maurice Cummins (FG) extended his good wishes to Mr Harte and to his family "at this most difficult time".

Fianna Fáil leader in the Seanad Darragh O'Brien said the party whip had been in touch with the Government and "it goes without saying that any arrangements that need to be made vis-a-vis voting can be taken as a given".

Mr O’Brien said all Senators considered Mr Harte a good friend.

Labour Seanad leader Ivana Bacik said "it came as a terrible shock to all of us". Thanking Opposition members for their support, she said "we appreciate their thoughts, good wishes and co-operation at this time".

Extending his good wishes, Independent David Norris said "reading between the lines he seems to be making some marginal improvement, and I hope that continues".

Independent Mary Ann O’Brien said “it demonstrates to us all how incredibly fragile life is”.

Sinn Féin Senator David Cullinane said "we want to see him back on his feet as quickly as possible. He is in all our thoughts and prayers."