Healy-Rae: I’ve had death threats over permits
Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae yesterday said he is to ask the gardaí in Pearse St, Dublin, to investigate a number of disturbing social media comments and emails sent to him.
Also, Twitter comments, including some calling for permits to “shoot” the Healy-Raes, have been posted this week.
“Some of the emails are just beyond belief, simply awful, and the work of really nasty people,’’ said Mr Healy-Rae.
“I’ve no problem with people disagreeing with me and am prepared to debate any issue with them, but some are hiding behind the social media and making outlandish statements.’’
At this point I would like to stress the difference between North Kerry and part of Kerry that Danny Healy Rae is from.
— PJ Browne (@P_J_Browne) January 21, 2013
A motion by the Kerry TD’s brother, Danny, calling for permits to be issued to people in rural areas allowing them to drive after consuming alcohol a little over the legal limit, has generated international publicity.
The TD said his brother, an Independent Kerry county councillor, had done a great service in highlighting issues of rural isolation, loneliness, and depression through his motion passed by the council on Monday.
Despite widespread condemnation of the motion by government ministers, including Justice Minister Alan Shatter, political parties, road safety associations and other groups, Danny Healy-Rae remains unrepentant.
“I haven’t a doubt in my mind that this a most serious issue and I’ve received numerous calls of support from people all around the country,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael yesterday rapped the knuckles of their party councillors who voted for the Healy-Rae motion — Cllr Michael O’Shea (FF) and Cllr Bobby O’Connell (FG), who are also publicans in Milltown and Castleisland, respectively.
The other councillors who backed the proposal, Johnny Healy-Rae (Danny’s son) and Michael Cahill, are both Independents.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
