22/10/2008

Bertie In Hospital Before Vital Medical Card Vote

The Former Taoiseach has fractured his leg - just before a crucial vote in the Dail over medical cards.

Bertie Ahern was treated in the Mater Hospital and his leg put in a plaster following a slip down some stairs Tuesday.

However, despite the fracture, just above the ankle, it is believed Mr Ahern will still be in the Dail for the crucial vote on the medical card controversy tonight.

The fall is reported to have happened at about noon in north Dublin yesterday, although it is not clear whether Mr Ahern was in his constituency office or his home at the time.

Councillor Maurice Ahern, the former Taoiseach's brother, said he had "slipped off his heel" before falling downstairs.

After the accident, Mr Ahern was driven to the Mater Hospital where he was taken into A&E in a wheelchair.

An x-ray confirmed the leg was broken and it was placed in a cast but did not require surgery.

(DW)

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