Michael Healy-Rae resigns from government over handling of fuel crisis

In a video posted online, the Kerry TD explained why he made the decision.

The Kerry TD's announcement comes as the Dáil will vote today (Tuesday, 14 April) on a confidence motion in the government over its handling of the ongoing fuel crisis.

This follows fuel protests and blockades across Ireland in recent days, which brought the country to a standstill.

In a video posted on social media on Tuesday afternoon, Healy-Rae said he went into government "hoping to deliver more for Kerry".

"But I feel so sorry for the fine workers that went protesting over the last couple of weeks," he added.

"They are 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're feeling particularly that the leader of the country hasn't listened to them. I'm so sorry for that."

Healy-Rae said he is resigning his ministry in the Department of Agriculture with a "very heavy heart", saying that he was "able to do a lot of things for farmers" in the position.

He also stated, however: "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.

"There is surpluses there. There is more that could be done. I negotiated while other people were protesting. I was negotiating, trying to get the best deal I could for the haulage, for the farmers, for contractors, silage contractors.

"I did everything I could. Obviously it wasn't enough because people aren't happy.

"I have a choice today: Stand with government and be a servant of government, or be a servant to the people of Kerry.

"My loyalty is to... the people around the county of Kerry... I adore every inch of it."

He added: "I don't want anything for myself... Being a minister, yes, I like it because.... I can deliver more.

"But if it's going to hurt people in Kerry that I'm going to continue to be a minister, well then that's the wrong thing to do.

"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.

"I'll fight from opposition. I'll fight from what we call the backbenches, and I'll be what I always was, a voice of the people and just an ordinary hard worker trying my best to help you."