Michael Healy-Rae said he believes resigning from his position as Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is “the right decision”.
the Independent Kerry TD He made the shock announcement as the Dáil was debating a motion of confidence in the government today (Tuesday 14 April).
The motion was introduced in response to a Sinn Féin motion of no confidence in the government’s handling of the ongoing fuel crisis.
High fuel prices have seen protests across the country in the past week, including the closure of roads, ports and the country’s only oil refinery.
On Sunday, the government announced a fuel subsidy package worth more than €500 million, following measures worth €250 million announced almost three weeks ago.
Hailey Ray
In a social media post, Michael Healy-Rae said he felt “very sorry for the good workers who have been out protesting over the past two weeks.”
“They’re the people I adore. They’re the tractor drivers. They’re the excavator drivers. They’re the people I’ve worked with over the years.”
“I have seen grown men crying because they are worried about their future, and they feel that this government has not listened to them.
“They feel, in particular, that the leader of the country did not listen to them. I am very sorry about that.
He added: “I feel now, even though my heart is broken because of this, because I feel in a way that I am leaving people in a state of frustration, but I feel that I have no choice but to vote no confidence in the government and its leader because he did not listen on time.”
Fuel crisis
Michael Healy-Rae said there were budget surpluses available, adding: “There is more that can be done.”
“While others were protesting. I was negotiating, trying to get the best possible deal for transport, for farmers, for feed contractors, I did everything I could.
“Obviously that was not enough, because people are not happy,” he said.
Michael Healy-Rae said his loyalty was “to the people across County Kerry whom I adore every inch of”.
“I have worked day and night for many years, and today I make the decision to resign from my position in government, and to resign from my ministry in the Ministry of Agriculture.
“I do it with a very heavy hat because I know I can 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. Thousands of you have asked me to do this, and this is what I’m doing.”
He added: “I am answering your call because you are my boss, not anyone in Dublin, not any political party. I am an independent, and I will stand before you again, and I will say that I stand with you all the time.”
Looking to the future, Michael Healy-Rae said: “I will fight from the opposition. I will fight from what we call the back benches, and I will be what I have always been, the voice of the people.”
minister
In a statement to AgrilandAgriculture, Food and Marine Minister Martin Haydon said: “I regret Michael Healy-Rae’s decision to resign from the government.”
“He has been a loyal colleague and I want to pay tribute to his contribution, especially in the forestry, horticulture and farm safety sector.
Minister Haydon added: “I want to thank him for his support during his time at the Department and wish him well.”
