A 28-year-old Irishman has been charged with aggravated assault following an attack on an Australian MP during an anti-violence press conference.

A video on YouTube appears to show John Elferink, a politician with the CLP party, being kicked from behind during the outdoor press conference in Darwin yesterday afternoon.

A scuffle ensued with the alleged attacker, who appeared to be drunk. Mr Elferink, a former policeman, is seen trying to hold on to the man.

"I turned and grabbed him by the collar to hold him until I could hand him over to police custody," said Mr Elferink.

Friends of the Irishman then became involved in the altercation before all three fled the scene.

Two men were arrested a short time later.

The accused man was released on bail this morning and is due back in court in September.

The press conference was on proposed changes to the Northern Territory’s one-punch laws.