The Daily Star Ireland
TD Michael Healy-Rae has stated that the people have delivered their response to the Green Party following their poor performance in this year’s General Election. Both Michael and Dany Healy-Rae have consistently criticized Green Party policies, and much of their time in government has been spent opposing these policies.
After his election victory, the Kilgarvan TD claimed that his criticisms of Green policies had been vindicated and that the party had now received the message from the public. He argued that both Kerry and the wider country have suffered as a result of these policies.
He pointed out that infrastructure investment was needed, citing the €200 million reduction in funding for national primary roads last year due to the Green Party’s opposition to spending on tar. He emphasized that while the Green Party’s policies were rejected, the public’s desire for road improvements was clear.
Healy-Rae also criticized the Green Party’s stance on personal car ownership, particularly their push for electric cars, claiming that the people had rejected this idea. However, he clarified that this did not mean people were unconcerned about the environment, but that they opposed the Green Party’s policies, including the push for electric vehicles.
He also highlighted issues like the environmental impact of importing biomass from Brazil to replace turf, arguing that such measures had harmed Ireland environmentally.
The Green Party’s lone candidate in Kerry, Cleo Murphy, failed to secure a seat despite staying in the race until Count 12, garnering 1,982 first preference votes. Healy-Rae described it as a poor day for the party, noting their reduced vote share compared to the previous election.
