‘He fought tooth and nail for the people he loved’

Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern joined in a host of tributes to the former Independent TD, Jackie Healy-Rae, who died yesterday aged 83 following a protracted illness.

The cliché, “larger than life”, was used by many people to describe the colourful politician, who represented Kerry South in the Dáil from 1997 to 2011 and was a county councillor for 30 years. He was also, in turn, a farmer, musician, hurler, publican, heavy- machinery driver, a wit, and storyteller.

Along with other independents, Mr Healy-Rae supported three Fianna Fáil-led governments and did deals with Mr Ahern in return for a package of funds for roads, farming, housing, and health issues in his constituency. One of the roads deals was reported to be worth €70m.