A Sinn Féin TD's car has been burned out at his home in Co Leitrim, in what party leader Mary Lou McDonald says appears to have been a "targeted attack".
Martin Kenny's car was discovered on fire at his home in Aughavas, near Ballinamore at around 2:30am this morning.
No other property was damaged in the fire, and no injuries were reported.
A Garda Forensic technical examination is due to take place to establish the cause of the blaze, and an investigation into an "incident of criminal damage" is underway.
Gardaí are appealing for anyone who notice anything suspicious in the area overnight to contact gardaí at Mohill on 071-963-1002,the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
The suspected arson attack has been widely condemned across the political spectrum.
Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said he was "appalled" by the news.
He said: "In a democracy we deliberate and debate – there is no place for violence.
"An attack on an elected member is an attack on all of society. It is an attack on democracy.
"I am asking anyone with information to please contact the gardaí."
Reacting to the news, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald condemned the apparent burning of the car.
She said: “Martin Kenny TD’s car was set alight and burned at his home in Aughavas at approximately 2.30am this morning in what appears to have been a very deliberate and targeted attack.
"Thankfully no member of the Kenny family was injured but it could easily have been different.
“This despicable act is a reflection on nobody but the criminal thugs who perpetrated it and I know it will be rightly condemned by the people of Aughavas, Ballinamore and Co Leitrim."
Local Fianna Fáil TD Marc Mac Sharry said there's "no justification" for any such attacks, adding that it's "utterly disgraceful".
He said: "I start shoulder square behind Martin Kenny in the troubles he's had overnight.
"Regardless of any political difference - whatever the issues are... there can be no justification for this."
The incident comes after Deputy Kenny last week said he had received death threats after speaking out against far-right and anti-immigrant hate speech.
