TÁNAISTE SIMON HARRIS has left the door open for a return to the government for Michael Healy-Rae, describing his former cabinet colleague as a “very good” junior minister.

Sibling duo Michael and Danny Healy-Rae are going through a highly-publicised fall out, with Michael taking to the airwaves on Radio Kerry on Tuesday to criticise his brother for calling for Micheál Martin and Simon Harris to be replaced the day before the no-confidence vote in the government back in April. 

Michael said his brother’s comments are what cost him his agriculture ministry.

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

The coalition parties had entered into a deal with the two Healy-Raes in the programme for government talks, which resulted in Michael getting the job as a minister of state.

Asked if there is a road back for Michael, Harris said:

“Never say ever. Michael Healy-Rae played an important role in helping with the programme for government talks. I believe he was a very good minister, by the way.” 

The Tánaiste said Michael was very passionate about forestry and said he had a “good professional relationship” with the Kerry TD. 

Related Reads

Two Healy-Rae brothers given suspended sentences for Kenmare chip van assault

Two Healy-Rae brothers found guilty of assaulting a man on a night out in 2017

“I must say, and 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 been 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.”