THERE WAS AN interesting exchange between Michael Healy-Rae and Enda Kenny in the Dáil yesterday – over the independent TD’s unhappiness with the fact the Taoiseach hasn’t appeared on Radio Kerry.
Healy-Rae took exception to the fact Kenny is the only party leader “to have refused to go on Radio Kerry at any stage since he was elected Taoiseach four-and-a-half years ago”.
The Kerry South TD told Kenny that Kerry Today presenter Jerry O’Sullivan has been “looking for you for a long time”.
Healy-Rae brought up the issue during the Order of Business yerterday afternoon.
The Ceann Comhairle wasn’t too impressed, though, telling him he was “totally out of order”.
The outspoken TD said it was fair to raise the subject as it “concerns the government’s policy on openness and transparency”.
After some back-and-forth between Healy-Rae and the Ceann Comhairle, Kenny said he would be “delighted” to appear on the show.
In a statement released this morning, Healy-Rae welcomed the Taoiseach’s agreement and said: “It is about time he went on this programme.”
Here’s a transcript of the discussion:
Michael Healy-Rae: The Taoiseach is in a unique position in that he is the only party leader who has refused to go on Radio Kerry to debate current issues.
An Ceann Comhairle: Hold on one second.
MHR: This comes under the Government’s policy in the programme for Government on the open—–
CC: I can tell the Deputy that it is not an issue for the Order of Business.
MHR: No, it concerns the Government’s policy on openness and transparency. I have a question for the Taoiseach. Jerry O’Sullivan has been looking for him to go on Radio Kerry for a long time.
CC: The Deputy can table a question or go and talk to him, but he may not raise the issue on the Order of Business.
MHR: The Taoiseach is refusing to—–
CC: No, I am sorry, the Deputy is totally out of order.
MHR: I am sorry, but I am not.
CC: The Deputy is totally out of order.
MHR: I am not.
CC: Will the Deputy, please, resume his seat?
MHR: This relates to Government policy on openness and transparency.
CC: Will the Deputy, please, resume his seat?
MHR: I am asking the Taoiseach to go on Radio Kerry—–
CC: I do not care what Government policy states; I am dealing with the Order of Business.
MHR: —-to talk about current issues, in the way the other party leaders have done.
An Taoiseach: I would be delighted to do so.
MHR: I thank the Taoiseach.
CC: Please, do not respond.
MHR: I thank the Taoiseach.
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