People in Dublin city centre are 'sickened to their stomach' after an assault on a US tourist, a former Lord Mayor has said.
The man aged in his 50s is in serious condition after he was attacked by a group of people on Talbot Street on Wednesday night.
Gardaí believe the man was attacked ‘by a number of persons’ at around 10:40pm.
He was taken to Beaumont Hospital where he is in serious but stable condition.
No arrests have been made and Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Dublin City Councillor Nial Ring told The Hard Shoulder this person has visited the city several times.
"This is a time you don't want to be on a show talking about something like this," he said.
"I've been around the area this morning and everybody is just sickened to their stomach at this.
"You feel for anybody who's attacked, but this tourist - apparently he's familiar with the city - he's been here many, many times, he probably feels nice and comfortable in the city.
"For something like this to happen to anybody, but particularly a tourist coming into our beautiful city and this is the welcome he gets... people are sick to their stomach.
"In saying that, I've confidence that with the CCTV - and the enquiries that have been made - and talking to the Gardaí today, they are so determined to identify these guys.
"Justice will be done hopefully, but the main hope is that that gentleman makes a full recovery".
'Brutal attack'
Justice Minister Helen McEntee has said there will be a 'tough and firm response' from Gardaí.
"The brutal attack in Dublin last night must be condemned in the strongest terms, and my thoughts are with the victim and his family at this time," she said.
"There can be no excuse for such violence and intimidation and I fully understand the concerns of the local community.
"I have received updates from An Garda Síochána. A full investigation is underway.
"A tough and firm response will send out the message that we will not tolerate this thuggery on our streets".
'New recruits'
Minister McEntee has urged any witnesses to come forward.
"People must have confidence they can safely walk the streets of our capital," she said.
"I am in regular contact with Commissioner Harris on the issue of Garda visibility".
Minister McEntee said more Gardaí will be on the streets shortly.
"The best way of making our streets safer and building stronger, safer communities is having more Gardaí on our streets," she said.
"I will be in Templemore next week for the passing out of our latest Gardaí.
"I will be in the Garda College every three months thereafter to see new recruits graduate as recruitment picks up pace after a COVID-enforced pause.
"By the end of this month, another class will have entered Templemore and we will have 450 Garda recruits in training.
"I will continue to work with Commissioner Harris and my Government colleagues in this regard," she added.
