Man accused of ‘totally unprovoked’ attack on Michael Healy-Rae granted bail
Anthony Foley, a 51-year-old Dublin man, has been granted High Court bail after being charged with an assault on Irish TD Michael Healy-Rae. The judge rejected claims that the attack was politically motivated, citing a lack of evidence, and imposed strict conditions including a curfew and exclusion zone.
Why it matters
The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safety of elected officials and the judicial process surrounding bail for violent offenses.
A man accused of carrying out a “totally unprovoked” attack on Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae as he sat in traffic in Dublin has been granted High Court bail.
Anthony Foley (51), of Rosary Road, Maryland, Dublin 8, is charged with assault causing harm to the politician on September 16th, 2026, at Cork Street, and was denied bail two days later in the District Court.
However, he appealed that decision before Judge Cathleen Noctor, who heard evidence and legal submissions at the High Court in Cloverhill, Dublin, on Wednesday.
She reserved judgment until Thursday. Noctor emphasised that the accused was entitled to the presumption of innocence and to bail.
Addressing objections that Foley would fail to appear in court and Garda concerns over potential witness interference via social media or at the TD’s workplace, she held that there was no evidential basis for those fears.
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