Shocked

Senators and Senate leaders have told how shocked they were by the injuries that Jimmy Harte received after his fall at the weekend. Today is the crucial day when the tests are run to see what damage has been done to him after his cracked skull and massive blood clot.

The Senate leader, Maurice Cummins of Fine Gae,l sent his good wishes to Mr Harte and his family “at this most difficult time”.

The Fianna Fail leader in the Seanad, Darragh O’Brien, said that “it goes without saying that any arrangements that need to be made vis-a-vis voting can be taken as a given”.

He said that all Senators considered Mr Harte ‘a good friend’.

Appreciated

Labour leader, Ivana Nacik, said “it came as a terrible shock to all of us”. She thanked Opposition members for their support and said “we appreciate their thoughts, good wishes and co-operation at this time”.

Said Independent, David Norris, “reading between the lines he seems to be making some marginal improvement, and I hope that continues”.

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

Highly Respected

It’s amazing how highly respected Jimmy Harte is in Dublin. Local Councillor Martin Farren said it is extremely useful to be able to get local concerns through to the top levels of Government through Jimmy Harte.

One hopes the news is good from the tests today.