WATCH: Michael Healy Rae announces his intention to resign from Government in the Dáil
Kerry TD says he could not in his heart vote confidence in the Government
Kerry TD and Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae has resigned from Government accusing the coalition partners of losing touch with ordinary people across Ireland.
Speaking in the Dáil on Tuesday afternoon he said he could not in his heart vote confidence in the Government - given the protests and blockades that took place across the country last week.
The Kerry TD's decision to resign his role as Minister-of-State at the Department of Agriculture with immediate effect appears to have taken many by surprise, including Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris who reportedly called him as he left Leinster House.
With his brother Danny seated on the opposite side of the Dáil chamber, Mr Healy Rae said the sight of grown men crying over the cost of fuel, left him with no choice but to leave Government.
Both Michael Healy Rae and Danny Healy Rae later voted against the Government's motion of confidence in itself which was passed by a majority of 92 to 78.
It means that the total number of TDs aligned to the Government has now fallen to 92.
Currently, 87 is the number required for a Dáil majority.