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TURN OF EVENTS

TD nominates shock alternative Taoiseach to Simon Harris and claims he ‘knows what people need’ in surprise move

DANNY Healy Rae today nominated a shock alternative for taoiseach as Fine Gael leader Simon Harris prepares to take on the role.

In the surprise turn of events, Danny put his brother Michael Healy Rae forward and said he is "well capable" of carrying out the task.

Danny Healy-Rae nominated his brother Michael as an alternative Taoiseach
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Danny Healy-Rae nominated his brother Michael as an alternative TaoiseachCredit: Maxwells
Independent TD brothers Michael (right) and Danny Healy-Rae in the Dail
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Independent TD brothers Michael (right) and Danny Healy-Rae in the DailCredit: PA:Press Association
Borthers Michael and Danny Healy-Rae claim they have the understanding of the people
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Borthers Michael and Danny Healy-Rae claim they have the understanding of the peopleCredit: AFP or licensors

The two Kerry men, who have not lost an election since entering politics four decades ago, claim that they both "have the understanding of people".

Speaking in the Dail this afternoon, Danny said his brother Michael has represented Kerry in the chamber for "many many years" and held a position on Kerry County Council for many years before that.

The Independent TD added: "I believe he is well capable of carrying out the task because he has the understanding of the people and like myself, he knows what the people need and what they’re concerned about."

And Danny urged all other Independent TD's to support the proposal and elect Michael Healy Rae as Ireland's next Taoiseach rather than voting for Harris.

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He claimed that if they had a "scintilla" of independence they would support his nomination and vote for Michael.

He said "democracy shouldn't be taken for granted" and claimed that he has never witnessed people "more angry or disillusioned".

Danny also paid tribute to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who officially handed in his resignation as Taoiseach yesterday and gave his final speech in the Dail today.

The proposal for Michael Healy Rae as taoiseach was seconded by Mattie McGrath, who went on to call for a general election.

Harris was appointed as Ireland's 15th Taoiseach by 88 votes for the motion to 69 against at the Dail this afternoon and will later reveal changes to the party ministerial ranks.

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill is tipped as a contender for promotion, while Hidegarde Naughton and Patrick O'Donovan are also linked with moves.

There are a limited number of vacancies available.

The junior role at European Affairs will become more prominent, with the new Taoiseach set to give it to someone he feels is under utilised in their current role.

'CAN WE PLEASE BEHAVE'

This post will be announced today, while the remainder of the ministers of State will be revealed tomorrow.

TDs Alan Dillon, Emer Higgins and Colm Burke are tipped to be promoted to the junior ranks.

Opposition TDs earlier criticised the day’s proceedings as a "coronation" and a "jamboree", saying there should instead be a General Election.

Chief whip Hildegarde Naughton outlined the Government's plan for Dail business for this week after Leo Varadkar gave his final speech.

However, when the opposition disagreed with this plan of action, Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl interjected: “The whole country is looking in. Can we please behave with a bit of decorum?” 

People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett expressed his disappointment that the order of business would not be followed and said the "business facing the country and the issues facing the country have been effectively driven off the agenda for the rest of the week."

He branded it "unacceptable" and said it is "not the way to start a new government."

Barrett labelled the process as a "jamboree" and a "charade" to which the Ceann Comhairle replied "Deputy, it's not appropriate to describe the election of a Taoiseach as a jamboree.

"Let's have regard and respect for our constitution and for the role that we play here."

Simon Harris TD in the Dail Chamber, Leinster House before the nomination of Taoiseach
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Simon Harris TD in the Dail Chamber, Leinster House before the nomination of TaoiseachCredit: MAXWELLS DUBLIN
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