Communications minister Patrick O’Donovan
COMMUNICATIONS Minister Patrick O’Donovan remains in hospital, where he is “being closely observed”, Limerick Live understands.
Sources close to the Fine Gael TD confirmed the Limerick man remains under watch, after suffering a suspected seizure.
He was rushed by ambulance from an event at University of Limerick, where he was hosting fellow Communications Ministers from across the European Union on Tuesday.
A press conference scheduled for mid-way through that afternoon was cancelled as a result.
Messages of support have been coming from Mr O’Donovan’s colleagues within Fine Gael.
Senator Maria Byrne said: “I’ve been a colleague and a friend of Patrick’s for a long long time . My thoughts are with Patrick and his family to wish him a speedy recovery. I was in the Seanad chamber yesterday when the word came through. I stood up and wished him the best and people in the chamber joined with me in doing the same.”
“He’s a great minister, not only for Limerick but for the region as well, but obviously his health has to come first,” she added.
Ms Byrne praised Mr O’Donovan for so openly speaking about his diagnosis of epilepsy, and not letting it get in the way of doing his Cabinet job.
Glin councillor John Sheahan, who leads the Fine Gael bloc on Limerick City and County Council said: “Of course we all wish the minister well. We hope he has a speedy recoverytand gets back to his desk to do the important job he is doing for the country.”
“It’s a huge job. But it’s a job that Patrick is highly capable of doing and has shown that even during the Budget,” Cllr Sheahan added.
