Michael Healy-Rae declines to rule himself out of becoming rural affairs minister

Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae has declined to rule himself out of becoming rural affairs minister in the next government, after revealing both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have committed to creating the “senior” cabinet role.

The Kerry-based TD said it would be “a very foolish politician who would ever rule themselves out of something without knowing what they are ruling themselves out of”, amid ongoing speculation over whether he will be in line to take up the long-rumoured position.

During an interview with RTÉ Radio’s Countrywide programme due to air this morning, the controversial TD said the need for the full ministerial position has been accepted by both Enda Kenny and Micheál Martin.