Sinn Féin’s Louise O’Reilly has said Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has serious questions to answer following the publication of graphic photographs of a violent assault carried out by a Fine Gael Senator and Louth general election candidate John McGahon.

Louise O’Reilly said

“Today an interview has been published with the victim of a violent assault by Fine Gael general election candidate and Senator John McGahon. It is clear to anyone who saw the photographs that this was a serious assault with the victim requiring hospital treatment. Footage of the assault is also in circulation and it is deeply shocking. Previous attempt by the Taoiseach to depict this as a “scuffle” are false.

Simon Harris now has serious questions to answer:

· Why was Senator John McGahon endorsed by him as a Fine Gael candidate when he was aware of this brutal assault?

· Will Senator John McGahon now be removed from the Fine Gael ticket?”