Healy-Rae resigns as junior minister: 'It's the right thing to do'
Michael Healy-Rae said he believes resigning his position as minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is the "right decision".
The independent Kerry TD made the shock announcement as the Dáil debated a motion of confidence in the government today (Tuesday, April 14).
The motion was tabled in response to Sinn Féin's motion of no confidence over the government's handling of the ongoing fuel crisis.
Crippling fuel costs have seen protests take place across the country in the past week, including blockades on roads, ports and the country's only oil refinery.
On Sunday, the government announced a fuel support package worth over €500 million, which followed measures worth €250 million announced almost three weeks ago.
Healy-Rae
In a post on social media, Michael Healy-Rae said he feels "so sorry for the fine workers that went protesting over the last couple of weeks".
"They're the people that I adore. They're tractor drivers. They're digger drivers. They're the people that I worked with over the years.
"I've seen grown men crying because they're worried about their futures, and they feel that this government hasn't listened to them.
"They feel, in particular that the leader of the country hasn't listened to them. I'm so sorry for that.
"I feel now, even though my heart is broken in doing so, because I feel in one way, I'm leaving people down, but I feel I have no choice but to vote no confidence in the government and its leader because of the fact that he didn't listen on time," he added.
Fuel crisis
Michael Healy-Rae said there are budget surpluses available, adding "there is more that could be done".
"While other people were protesting. I was negotiating, trying to get the best deal I could for the haulage, for the farmers, for silage contractors, I did everything I could.
"Obviously it wasn't enough enough, because people aren't happy," he said.
Michael Healy-Rae said his loyalty is to "the people around the county of Kerry that I adore every inch of it".
"I've worked day and night for many, many years, and today I'm making the decision to resign my position in government, to resign my ministry in the department of agriculture.
"I do so with a very heavy hat because of the fact that I know I was able to do a lot of things for farmers," he said.
"I hope I'm making the right decision. I'm doing the right thing by you. Many thousands of you have asked me to do this, and that's what I'm doing.
"I'm answering your call because you're my boss, not anyone in Dublin, not any political party. I'm independent, and I'll be going before you again, and I'll be saying I'm standing with you all the time," he added.
Looking to the future, Michael Healy-Rae said: "I'll fight from opposition. I'll fight from what we call the back benches, and I'll be what I always was, a voice of the people".
Minister
In a statement to Agriland, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon said: "I regret the decision of Michael Healy Rae to resign from government".
"He was a dedicated colleague and I want to recognise his contribution, particularly to the forestry sector, horticulture and farm safety.
"I want to thank him for his support during his time in the department and I wish him well," Minister Heydon added.
