Michael Healy-Rae ally says he could not canvass for Danny after brothers’ split

Political allies react to tensions between the Kerry brothers following Michael Healy-Rae’s departure from Government

Danny Healy-Rae TD and Michael Healy-Rae TD at the Healy-Rae Bar in Kilgarvan, Co Kerry. Picture: Dan Linehan

A close ally of Independent Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae has said he could not, “with my hand on heart”, canvass for second-preference votes for the former junior minister’s brother, Danny.

This week, Michael Healy-Rae said he had felt forced to resign from Government in April after being “pulled overboard” by his brother during a confidence debate arising from the fuel protests.

Independent Tralee county councillor Sam Locke, a close ally of Michael Healy-Rae, told the Irish Examiner he did not believe he could campaign for Danny Healy-Rae.

“Because of the manner in which he came out, without discussing it to ourselves or to his brother, I take a very dim view of that,” he said.

However, Independent Listowel councillor Liam “Speedy” Nolan, another ally of Michael Healy-Rae, said it was “too soon” to talk about the next election and that he hoped the brothers might reconcile.

Michael Healy-Rae’s son, Jackie Healy-Rae Jr, an Independent Kilgarvan councillor, said that although the family’s influence in Government was diminished, he and his family would “continue to do our best for the people of Kerry.”

Danny Healy-Rae’s daughter, Maura Healy-Rae, also an Independent Kilgarvan councillor, said it was best not to comment.

Michael and Danny Healy-Rae both declined to comment.