From defiance to departure: 45 hours that changed everything for Michael Healy-Rae

A sudden reversal, internal pressure and local politics combined to trigger a dramatic exit that caught Government off guard

Brothers and Independent TDs for Kerry Michael Healy Rae and Danny Healy Rae in Dáil Éireann on April 9 2024 after the nomination of Simon Harris as then taoiseach. Picture: Maxwell's 

Michael Healy-Rae spoke directly to the camera, his signature flat cap perched atop his head, his dark jacket with luminous green stripes still on.

It was 7.30pm on Sunday evening, and the Independent Kerry TD had been locked in negotiations all weekend on what would become the €505m package of measures to combat the rising cost of fuel.