Michael Healy-Rae resigned as Junior Minister to vote no confidence in Government

In breaking news, Independent TD for Kerry Michael Healy-Rae has resigned as a Junior Minister to vote no confidence in the Government.

He says he couldn't back the coalition after its response to the fuel protests of the past week.

The Dáil has been debating a confidence motion with a result due within the hour.

The Kerry TD who's resigned as a junior minister said in the 2016 General Election people asked him if he would go into government.

Michael Healy-Rae said he would if the opportunity was right and it was good for the people of Kerry.

But he said he can no longer support this government;