The Fine Gael deputy leader Mr Jim Mitchell has broken two bones in his foot, making him the second senior party figure to be immobilised on the eve of the General Election campaign.
Mr Mitchell fell awkwardly on the stairs at his house on Wednesday night, breaking his ankle and his fifth metacarpal bone.
His predecessor as deputy leader, Ms Nora Owen, is still on crutches after breaking a bone in her foot - the fibula - in a fall on the stairs in Leinster House last month.
Mr Mitchell confirmed yesterday that his foot would be in plaster for six weeks, severely curtailing his plans for door-to-door canvassing.
It could not be ascertained yesterday whether he would now be used by Fine Gael for more sedentary forms of campaigning such as studio-based television appearances.
A Fianna Fáil source inquired whether Mr Mitchell had sustained his injury as he was attempting to take his foot out of his mouth. Fine Gael responded, saying that at least Mr Mitchell has his feet in Dublin. "The Taoiseach's are everywhere except in his office."
Mr Mitchell said yesterday he would "improvise" during the campaign. "We will have more afternoon teas, morning coffees, public meetings and events that will bring the voters to me rather than the other way around," he said.
He pointed out that during the DIRT tax inquiry by the Public Accounts Committee, which he chaired, he was on crutches due to a bad back. "We had a great result and I hope we can replicate it this time."
Ms Owen said yesterday the plaster had been removed from her foot, but she used crutches for short journeys and a wheelchair for longer ones. "It does highlight for a politician the difficulties anyone with a disability has in getting basic things done."
Two Fianna Fáil deputies have also suffered temporary physical setbacks on the eve of the campaign.
Mr Brendan Smith (Cavan/ Monaghan) has had back problems in recent times that have limited his mobility. Minister of State Mr Hugh Byrne (Wexford) sustained a broken bone in his wrist and broke two ribs in an accident at home, leaving him with the most serious political handicap of being unable to shake hands with voters.
Meanwhile, Mr Sean Ardagh, of Fianna Fáil, who has been ill in recent months, is back campaigning in his Dublin South Central constituency, according to a party spokesman.