The Healy-Rae family's recent public relations efforts to downplay a rift between TD brothers Michael and Danny have been met with skepticism, as tensions in Kerry were simmering even before the fuel blockades. While the brothers have been quick to deny any significant discord, their body language at a recent Kerry County Council meeting spoke volumes. The five Healy-Raes on the council, including Danny's children Johnny and Maura, Michael's son Jackie, and affiliates from Tralee and Listowel, occupied the back row in the council chambers. Jackie, usually not short of words, was unusually quiet and barely engaged with his colleagues, a stark contrast to his usual fiery demeanor. This change in behavior is particularly notable given the collateral damage he suffered due to his father's resignation as a minister, resulting in the loss of his job as a special adviser in the government. The tension between the two Healy-Rae camps had been building even before the fuel blockades, with Danny being less enthusiastic about the deal and held responsible for Michael not securing a rural ministry while Enda Kenny was taoiseach. The situation has escalated to the point where the brothers might stand on different tickets in the next election, with Michael potentially running against his brother in the south and Jackie competing in the north. For now, however, any such division is being kept firmly under wraps. The brothers' public statements and body language suggest a complex dynamic, with the potential for a significant split in the family's political alliance. This development raises questions about the future of the Healy-Rae dynasty in Kerry politics and the broader implications for the region's political landscape.
