Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae shocks Dáil by resigning as junior minister over fuel protests 

Danny Healy-Rae and Michael Healy-Rae. Picture: Alan Rowlette/RollingNews.ie

Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae has stepped down as a junior minister and will vote no confidence in the Government following last week’s fuel protests.

Mr Healy-Rae made the dramatic announcement during a motion of confidence in the Government. 

“Because of the fact that I believe this government has let the people of Ireland down, I will be voting no confidence in the leader of the country, and I will be tendering my resignation as a minister of state,” Mr Healy-Rae said.

“The feeling that I have is the government and the leader in particular, has not listened.” 

The Kerry TD said when he canvassed in previous elections, he said he would go into Government if the opportunity was right and it was good for his constituents.

“But now the people of Kerry are telling me that they’re unhappy with this Government. They don’t want to see me or any Healy-Rae supporting,” Mr Healy-Rae said.

He said he would ask future Governments to listen and to be “kind” and to be “understanding these are families that are really suffering so much”.

Speculation around whether the Healy-Raes would continue to support the Government erupted on Monday, after Danny Healy-Rae launched a broadside at the Taoiseach and Tánaiste over their handing of the fuel protests.

He called for both to step down, while describing the Fianna Fáil leader as arrogant.

The confirmed departure of Michael Healy-Raes and expected vote of no-confidence by his brother Danny means the Government’s majority has been reduced by two, leaving 92 TDs supporting the Coalition and 80 opposing it.