Paul Hosford: Healy-Rae resignation a shock but not a fatal blow for Government

Some in Government had questioned the utility of having a deal with Michael Healy-Rae if Danny wasn't also inside the tent

After his announcement, Mr Healy-Rae went to the Taoiseach's office to hand in his letter of resignation, but was forced to wait as Mr Martin was on a scheduled phone call with Canadian prime minister Mark Carney. Picture: Collins

Michael Healy-Rae's resignation came as a shock. Indeed, both Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris only found out when it happened.

A spokesperson for Mr Martin said there had been no prior warning and that both Mr Martin and Mr Harris had found out about the resignation as it happened.