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Healy-Rae Brothers Leave Government Over Fuel-Price Protests

The loss leaves the coalition more dependent on other independents.

Overview

  • Michael Healy-Rae resigned as a junior agriculture minister and voted no confidence in the Taoiseach.
  • With both brothers back on the Opposition benches, government-aligned TDs fell to 92 from 94, and 87 are needed for a Dáil majority.
  • Michael said soaring diesel costs and what he heard from farmers, lorry drivers, and tractor owners drove his decision to break with the Government.
  • A €500 million support package announced over the weekend did not change their stance, keeping pressure on ministers to do more on fuel costs.
  • RTÉ analysis says the exits do not topple the Coalition but point to a harder stretch ahead during a broader energy shock.