Fine Gael TD Nicky McFadden has confirmed she was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last week.
Ms McFadden said that about eight months ago she noticed she had to slow down her speech in order to avoid slurring her words.
A problem with vocal cords was initially suspected, but the possibility of motor neurone disease only emerged in the last fortnight, she said.
“Last Thursday, Prof Orla Hardiman diagnosed motor neurone disease. I was shocked and distressed when I was told but after a couple of days it was clear to me that this was something to be fought, and I’m a fighter.”
Ms McFadden said she would continue to serve her constituents in Longford and Westmeath, and Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said he has “no doubt that Nicky will continue her work with her customary conviction and energy”.
Ms McFadden, who served as a Senator until her election to the Dáil last year, said 75 per cent of people with motor neurone disease first present with muscle weakness in the arms and legs. Other than a slowing of her speech, she has no other symptoms.
“The onset of my condition is subtle, and has only affected my speech so far. I feel absolutely fine, and I completed a ten mile walk for the ICA just three weeks ago,” she said.
She said she was determined to maintain her workload energetically. “I’ve never surrendered in the face of any challenge, and I’m not going to surrender to this either. I have the full support of my party and will have the practical help of my good friends and staff to assist me in continuing my work as a Dáil deputy,” she said.
“As far as I’m concerned, it is business as usual representing the people of Longford and Westmeath in Dáil Éireann.”
