Politics

Michael Healy-Rae criticised for not securing ministry for Kerry

Fianna Fáil TD John Brassil says a ‘golden opportunity’ for the county has been missed

Michael Healy-Rae: “It’s not true to say I refused it. It wasn’t Kenny’s to give at the time.” Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
Anne Lucey
Tue May 10 2016 - 11:34

Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae has been accused of passing up a “golden opportunity” for his Kerry constituency by not taking up an alleged offer of a senior ministry from Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

Mr Healy-Rae, who pulled the largest number of first preference votes in the State in the general election with 20,387, said yesterday he was offered the position of rural minister in talks with Mr Kenny on support for a minority Fine Gael government.

He told Radio Kerry the Taoiseach agreed with his suggestion that such a ministry should be created and said he would be “seriously interested” in giving him the job.

The offer did not materialise, allegedly as a consequence of Michael’s brother, Danny Healy-Rae TD, saying he could not support Mr Kenny, and calling on other Independents not to vote for him.

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In Friday’s vote, Danny voted against Mr Kenny and Michael abstained, noting that not supporting Mr Kenny would have resulted in another general election which he was not mentally, physically or financially able for.

Heather Humphreys ultimately had regional development and rural affairs added to her role as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

Fianna Fáil TD for Kerry John Brassil said the Healy-Raes “passed up a golden opportunity for Kerry” in not securing a ministry.

“[Michael] got a huge endorsement from the electorate and he refused it . . . he didn’t avail of the opportunity, that to my opinion is to the detriment of Kerry,” he said.

Hopes

Mr Brassil told Radio Kerry he hoped local Fine Gael TD Brendan Griffin would become a minister of state.

Michael Healy-Rae said Mr Kenny’s offer was not realistic as it was before the Fine Gael talks with Fianna Fáil.

“It’s not true to say I refused it. It wasn’t his [Kenny’s] to give at the time . . . for people to say I refused it is not true. Alright, he offered it to me but it wasn’t his to give at the time,” he said.

Rumours of divisions in the Healy-Rae camp are being played down by their supporters, but persist in Co Kerry.

Asked if Danny’s position was a factor in him not getting the ministry, Michael said he supported his brother 100 per cent.The Healy-Raes were a political team but can take different positions, he added.