Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, had a narrow escape yesterday afternoon when he was struck by a motorcyclist as he crossed the road from St Stephen's Green to his office in Iveagh House. He will not attend the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Sweden today and tomorrow.
The accident occurred shortly after 3 p.m. as he walked back from Leinster House after the Government had barely managed to win a vote in the Seanad on the upcoming referendum on the Treaty of Nice.
Onlookers and a garda outside Iveagh House called an ambulance after the red Ducati motorcycle struck Mr Cowen.
First aid was given by two ambulancemen, but the Minister decided not to go hospital with them. Instead, he travelled to the accident and emergency unit of St James's Hospital in his car later in the afternoon.
Although the motorcycle skidded "for a considerable distance" after the incident, the rider was unhurt.
Mr Cowen was discharged from St James's last night. It is understood he has a hand and wrist injury.
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