Michael Ring turned down two junior ministries from new Taoiseach Simon Harris

Michael Ring declined to say which offices he was offered, but said neither had spending power so he declined to take up the new Taoiseach's offer. Picture: Eamonn Farell/RollingNews.ie

Former rural affairs minister Michael Ring said he turned down two junior ministries from new Taoiseach Simon Harris.

Mr Harris on Wednesday filled out his junior ministerial ranks, promoting Emer Higgins, Alan Dillon and Colm Burke, but Mayo TD Mr Ring said he rejected the chance to join them.

Speaking to Midwest Radio, Mr Ring said he turned down the roles because he could not yet give a commitment he would run in the next election. Having been a junior and senior minister in the past, he did not believe he could achieve much in the nine months remaining in the Government's term.

Mr Ring declined to say which offices he was offered, but said neither had spending power so he declined to take up the new Taoiseach's offer. 

He said he did not feel he could "deliver anything for Mayo". He added he had lobbied for Mr Dillon to be given a junior ministry.

Mr Ring said Leo Varadkar should have made him a junior minister previously.

"This offer should have come after the last general election after I topped the poll.

"After being the only Fine Gael TD to top the poll, but there was too much Dublin the last time."

Mr Ring said he did not feel Fine Gael should have gone into Government in 2020 and should have "built up the organisation like Enda Kenny did in 2002".

"There was a lot of fellas more in a hurry for a [State] car than they were about the party."

On his own future, Mr Ring said he had "given his life" to Fine Gael, but would make up his mind on his future intentions in the coming weeks.

"I work seven days a week at this. I've given everything to Fine Gael. I was sick over Christmas and when you're in bed you're thinking 'is there more to life than this?'.

"I will make up my mind over the next few weeks. I may go and I may not go."