The son of Sinn Fein TD Aengus O Snodaigh is in a serious condition in hospital today after being stabbed outside his house in the early hours of the morning.

Fearghal O’Snodaigh (18) was thought to have received injuries to the arm and chest area in the incident which occurred on the Old Naas Road in Bluebell at about 12.30am.

It is understood the person who carried out the attack fled the scene immediately after the attack.

Gardai had been seeking his whereabouts and it is understood no arrests had been made. The house was sealed off for technical examination this morning.

The victim was attended to at the scene by paramedics before being transported to St James’s Hospital for further treatment.

He was said to be in a serious condition but his injuries are not thought to be life threatening. He is expected to spend the night in hospital.

Aengus O Snodaigh, a TD for Dublin South Central, was at the hospital but was unavailable for comment. The motive for the attack on his son is not clear and Sinn Fein said it was a private matter.

Reacting to the news, Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said he had been unable to contact Mr O Snodaigh.

“We wish young Fearghal well and we wish the family well,” he said. “People who don’t share our politics will be at one with us when we say that everybody hopes that the young fellow pulls through and that he gets better as quickly as possible.”

Aengus O Snodaigh, first elected to the Dail for Dublin South Central in 2002, is the party’s spokesman on social protection, justice, equality and international affairs.

Gardai said anyone with information about the incident should contact Kilmainham Garda station 01-6669700 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.