The Fine Gael TD, Mr Jim Mitchell, is recovering in a Dublin hospital after undergoing a liver transplant operation.
Mr Mitchell, who was diagnosed with a rare type of liver cancer in August 1999, underwent the transplant operation in St Vincent's Hospital late on Monday night.
The Dublin Central TD was out with his wife, Patsy, on Monday when he got the call that a suitable liver was available. Mr Mitchell (53) was said last night to be in a stable condition. He is one of five patients to have undergone a liver transplant in St Vincent's Hospital since the beginning of the month.
The first 10 days after a transplant are the most critical for the patient. Sources close to Mr Mitchell's family said that so far, his medical team is pleased with his progress.
Mr Mitchell's wife and children have been praying particularly for the donor family. His wife said last night that her husband was "very comfortable".
Mr Mitchell had a primary tumour removed from his intestinal tract in January, 1997. He was diagnosed with secondary tumours in the liver in August, 1999.