Michael Healy-Rae: Danny's actions were 'like a scud missile'

Former junior minister tells RTÉ documentary on the crisis in the Kerry political dynasty that his brother 'effectively sacked' him

Brothers and Kerry TDs Danny (right) and Michael Healy-Rae photographed for the first time in close proximity on June 18 after Michael resigned from his position as a junior minister. Both speak frankly in RTÉ's documentary. File picture: Don MacMonagle

Former junior minister Michael Healy-Rae says his brother Danny Healy-Rae’s actions before his resignation were “like a scud missile”. 

In a documentary on the Healy-Rae dynasty, airing at  9.35pm on Wednesday on RTÉ One, the family’s five elected members — the brothers and their three councillor children — shed light on Michael’s sensational resignation from Government.

At the time, Michael had hit out at his Government colleagues and Taoiseach Micheál Martin over the handling of fuel protests, telling the Dáil that Mr Martin “should have listened” and that “this Government has let the people of Ireland down”.

He would later say that Danny had “effectively sacked” him in an explosive interview with Radio Kerry when he called for the Taoiseach and Tánaiste to step down.

“It was an impossible situation,” Michael said. “You were between a rock and a hard place because the deal was broken, and it was entered into by two of us. It was broken by one of us, and there was no other alternative then. It was... gone belly up, simple as that.”

For his part, Danny says the resignation was “a culmination of years of mistrust building up”.

He added there are “no bombs or missiles” between the brothers and that he did not know his brother was going to resign until he had.

“That’s the honest gospel truth,” he said.

HAPPIER TIMES: Brothers and TDs Michael and Danny Healy-Rae at their weekly meeting at the Healy Rae Bar in 2025, before this year's crisis among the political dynasty. 'The Healy-Raes: Blood Sweat & Tears' is broadcast on RTÉ on Wednesday. File picture: Jerry Kennelly/Local Story Films

Danny’s daughter, Maura Healy-Rae, said Michael’s comments in the aftermath were “inconsistent” with his resignation.

She said she was shocked and disappointed by a later interview in which Michael explained his decision.

“The content of the interview was certainly shocking to me, and I would have to say, personally, very disappointing,” she said.

“If you look at what he said in the Dáil on the day that he resigned, and then look at what was said on Radio Kerry, or listen to what was said, there are contradictions, and there are inconsistencies.”

Her brother, Johnny Healy-Rae, added that “the story didn’t match up with what happened in Dublin”.

Michael’s son, Jackie says that the entire family will “have to reflect” on what happened earlier this year.

“We will have to make sure that whatever team is on the field is reliable, can be trusted by governments, and can hold the line.”

'The Healy Raes: Blood, Sweat & Tears' will air on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player at 9.35pm this Wednesday, August 19.

• Paul Hosford, Deputy Political Editor

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