DUBLIN, Ireland (M10News Crime Desk) A Dublin man has been granted bail following his arrest over an alleged assault on a woman canvassing for President-elect Catherine Connolly, alongside Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald.
Daniel Soave, 39, appeared before Judge Derek Cooney at Dublin District Court facing charges under section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act and section 6 of the Public Order Act. His case was adjourned pending directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Soave, who is employed, accepted bail conditions prohibiting contact with witnesses and posting online about the prosecution. He has not yet entered a plea and will return to court on December 15, 2025.
Incident During Campaigning
Gardaí responded on Friday evening after about ten campaigners were distributing leaflets near the Five Lamps on North Strand Road, Dublin 1. The canvassing was part of a joint effort by left-wing parties supporting Independent TD Catherine Connolly.
Footage of the alleged incident quickly circulated online. Soave, from Portland Row, Dublin 1, was arrested and detained at Store Street Garda Station, where he was charged on Saturday with two counts of engaging in threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour, and one count of assault causing harm to a named woman.
The offences reportedly occurred on October 24, 2025, along North Strand Road. Garda Colm Maguire told the court that Soave had no response to the public order offences, but denied the assault, stating:
“What’s that all about? Complete lies, I never pushed anybody.”
Bail and Court Directions
Garda Maguire raised no objection to bail, provided several conditions were met. Defence solicitor Sean Lacey confirmed the terms with his client, who found them acceptable.
Soave spoke in open court about signing on in the evening and suggested specific days, saying:
“Whatever suits.”
His next hearing is scheduled for December 15, when the case will continue under the oversight of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The case highlights public concerns over campaign safety and the legal measures in place for those accused of assault or public order offences during political events.
Editing by M10News Crime Desk | Contact: crime@m10news.com
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