Rae-Nua in Kerry.
One of the more interesting things during a General Election is seeing how the country reacts to the dominant political parties in other counties. For anyone that’s familiar with politics in Kerry then you’ll know that the Healy-Rae’s are nothing short of a phenomenon in the Kingdom but to the majority of people around the country, they might be more familiar with the family for a very different reason.
You may recall Kerry County Council passing a motion in 2013 from Cllr Danny Healy-Rae requesting that rural dwellers be given permission to have two or three drinks and then drive home. Brother Michael later petitioned a Dail request on this issue that was firmly dismissed.
Speaking with RTE, Michael Healy-Rae says it’s “early days” but thinks that he and his brother Danny will pick up two seats in the current General Election and while nothing is confirmed yet, it seems very likely that the family dynasty shows no signs of fading away soon.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to the Healy-Rae phenomenon and their recent interview slating the ‘smart alecs’ in Dublin.
The recent interview with RTE.
"The smart alecs in Dublin" – the Healy-Rae's stick it to the media etc with seriously good vote management #GE16
— Tom Lyons (@TomLyonsBiz) February 27, 2016
A message for the "smart alecs above in Dublin" from the Healy-Rae brothers. #GE16 #Kerry pic.twitter.com/aVa0rXuVxw
— Seán Mac an tSíthigh (@Buailtin) February 27, 2016
Their voting tactics.
The Healy-Rae strategy #ge16 pic.twitter.com/13x9rx7FW0
— Alan Kinsella (@electionlit) February 17, 2016
If Danny Healy Rae gets the seat I guess he'll be Rae-Nua. #GE16
— Justin McCarthy (@MrJustinMac) February 27, 2016
Two Healy Raes – South Kerry in two years time #ge16 pic.twitter.com/HFTGJ1S4H4
— Joe O'Shea (@josefoshea) February 27, 2016
On the day.
Johnny Healy-Rae told @radiokerrynews he calved a heifer before arriving at the count centre #priorities #GE16
— Radio Kerry News (@radiokerrynews) February 27, 2016
Roads, hospitals, lower drinkdriving limits for all: the Healy Rae brothers hoover up Kerry vote #upthekingdom #ge16 https://t.co/ZaQSoRd5rv
— Naomi O'Leary (@NaomiOhReally) February 27, 2016
They have their detractors…
All in favour for Kerry to secede from Ireland so we can get rid of the Healy-Rae's? #GE16
— Netflix & Rachill (@ronronzo) February 27, 2016
The Healy Rae brothers. Jesus wept. #ge16
— Sara Jane English (@d4dolly) February 27, 2016
Both Healy-Rae brothers look set to be elected. Ireland does love a cute hoor! #GE16 #yougetthegovernmentyoudeserve pic.twitter.com/qSC7RL4hJd
— Fonril (@Fonril) February 27, 2016
…but they remain incredibly popular in the Kingdom.
Incredible effort from the Healy-Raes. Lost both their mother and father in the past year and a half. #ge16
— Richard Chambers (@newschambers) February 27, 2016
@AnnetteLawson It's wearing tbh. The Healy-Rae act is one thing but the work they do for their constituents is another. They're ALL OVER IT.
— Brian Coffey (@brianocofaigh) February 27, 2016
I get the Healy Rae humour & jibes, but heard this week how they helped a person close to me cut through HSE bureaucracy. Changed my POV.
— Gavin Fitzgerald (@Zeouterlimits) February 27, 2016
The Healy-Rae's get a lot of stick but prime example of honest to goodness politics. Look out for their own, rewarded at the polling booths.
— Aoife Mitchell (@AoifeLOL) February 27, 2016
Rang/Emailed all Kerry candidates in last few weeks #RaeNua only ones who personally replied and only ones who remembered meeting me
— Michelle (@O_Conartist) February 27, 2016
An excellent summary.
Love or hate them- The Healy Rae's couldn't care less about #Twitter. – In the Pale we still don't understand rural Ireland. #ge16 #Kerry
— Will St Leger (@WillStLeger) February 27, 2016
Main image via – Radio Kerry