Election 2020: Danny Healy Rae (Independent)

Kerry – Elected sixth count

Danny Healy Rae: continues a proud family tradition of representing Kerry in Dáil Éireann: Photograph: Alan Betson
Danny Healy Rae: continues a proud family tradition of representing Kerry in Dáil Éireann: Photograph: Alan Betson

First elected in 2016, Danny Healy-Rae is the brother of fellow Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae and the son of the late Jackie.

Prior to entering national politics, the 65-year-old was a member of Kerry County Council from 2003 to 2016 for the Killarney electoral area.

He attracted some controversy for speaking out in favour of a more lenient attitude to drinking and driving, as a way of reducing rural isolation

He is a well-known politician, who is often outspoken and boisterous in Dáil debates and discussions. Healy-Rae is known for his conservative views, and is publicly pro-life, against same-sex marriage and same-sex adoption.

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He has also denied global warming and vehemently opposes Ireland’s carbon tax.

Following his election on Sunday, he faced political backlash for saying: “To hell with the planet and the fellas that say we must save the planet and forget about the people”.

He later apologised and withdrew the remarks.

Shauna Bowers

Shauna Bowers

Shauna Bowers is Health Correspondent of The Irish Times