‘Never say never’ to Healy-Rae return to Government – Tanaiste

By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

The Tánaiste has left the door open for a return to Government for Michael Healy-Rae, describing his former colleague as a “very good” junior minister.

Healy-Rae resigned as minister of state for forestry during a confidence motion in the Government over its handling of fuel protests.

It came after his brother Danny Healy-Rae – also an independent TD for Kerry who agreed to support the coalition with Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil – called for the leadership of those two parties to be replaced.

Both brothers voted against the Government in the motion, and Michael resigned in dramatic fashion, later blaming his brother for forcing him “overboard”.

The coalition parties had entered into a deal with both Healy-Raes in preparing the Programme for Government, which saw Michael appointed as a minister of state.

Fine Gael leader Simon Harris said on Wednesday that his “door always remains open” for engagement.

Speaking to reporters before Cabinet, Harris said he believed Healy-Rae was a “very good”, “very passionate” and committed minister of state for forestry.

Asked if there is a way back to Government for Healy-Rae, he replied: “Never say never.

“Michael Healy-Rae played an important role in helping with the Programme for Government talks. Indeed, he was engaged in good faith in that process.”

He added: “I don’t want to get too involved but I must say it’s always painful to see kind of family acrimony play out in public.

“At the end of the day, there’s people involved in this in what’s clearly being a very, very difficult time for the Healy-Raes.

“That’s their business, but I am respectful and conscious of that.

“But never say never in politics, and my door always remains open for conversations and engaging into the future.”