Irish Minister Patrick O O’Donovan hospitalised after EU meeting in Limerick

Irish Media Minister Patrick O'Donovan has been taken to hospital for assessment and treatment after becoming unwell at an informal European Union meeting, the Irish Examiner reported. The Fine Gael politician was hosting the EU presidency event at the University of Limerick. A spokeswoman confirmed that the meeting had concluded before the minister required medical attention. [1]

Before falling ill, Mr O'Donovan publicly criticized party colleagues over anonymous briefings about his health. According to the Irish Examiner, the Independent.ie, and the Irish Independent, the minister called the reports questioning his fitness for office the ultimate betrayal and a slap in the face. He insisted that his epilepsy does not prevent him from performing his duties and requested that people leave his health out of political discussions. [1][2][3]

Fine Gael is a centre-right, liberal-conservative political party in Ireland, currently led by Simon Harris following his appointment on 24 March 2024. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Mr Harris serves as Tánaiste in the Irish government. [4][8]