Update issued on condition of Limerick's Patrick O'Donovan

COMMUNICATIONS Minister Patrick O’Donovan remained in hospital this Wednesday after suffering a suspected seizure.

Good wishes continued to pour in for the Limerick TD, who was transferred to University Hospital Limerick (UHL) by ambulance from a European summit he was hosting in University of Limerick (UL).

An update was issued on his condition on Friday night by his family, in a statement which was posted to Mr O’Donovan’s social media channels.

His family wrote that his team in UHL “are working with him to ensure his return to his department as soon as new treatment has bedded down.”

They added that the Fine Gael man is “heartened by the support for his long-term cabinet career demonstrated by his colleagues.”

Well-wishes have continued to pour in for Mr O’Donovan.

A TD since 2011, and a councillor from 2004 up to that point, the Newcastle West man opened up last year about his epilepsy diagnosis.

It’s a condition he has suffered from for more than 10 years.

Fine Gael leader and Tanaiste Simon Haris has slammed what he’s described as “hurtful” commentary from “anonymous sources” about the health and political future of Mr O’Donovan.

And he said “it has no place in the Fine Gael party and will not be tolerated”.

"While I am on paternity leave, I remain in contact with his family,” the party leader added.

Fine Gael’s Abbeyfeale councillor Liam Galvin, who leads the Newcastle West district, was elected to the area alongside Mr O’Donovan at the 2004 local election.

“I think Patrick needs time to give himself a chance to recuperate. I know Patrick’s nature, he is a selfless, tireless worker. I think it’s now time that Patrick looks after himself for a bit, and gives himself a chance,” he said.

“He is a very very good colleague of mine, a very good friend to me. Whatever I can do for Patrick I will do, in my capacity as a public representative.”