THAT’S RICH..
Healy-rae hits back as he’s named Ireland’s 2nd wealthiest politician
Michael Healy-rae MICHAEL Healy-rae has insisted he is not rolling in money despite a rich list ranking him as Ireland’s second wealthiest politician.
It is reported the Kerry TD is worth an estimated €5.4million – largely a result of his property portfolio.
However, Mr Healy-rae, from Kilgarvan, said his place on the list does not take into account his personal debts.
Speaking on The Week In Politics, he added: “It confirms to me one thing, don’t ever believe what you read in the papers, because you can print anything.
“Whether it would be made up inside the Dail or a local council I always said I wish to God they had it like a balance sheet and they had on one side what you actually owe. If I was to declare what I owe, I certainly believe I would be the top of any list were one to be made up.”
The report revealed the politician’s older brother Danny Healy-rae has assets worth €1.6million, bringing their combined estimated wealth to more than €7million.
The Sunday Independent published its Political Rich List yesterday.
Michael Lowry, an Independent representing Tipperary, was named as Ireland’s richest TD and is reportedly worth €6.4million.
Former Taoiseach Enda
Kenny commands a pension worth more than €3.2million, bringing his total wealth to €4.7million and landing him fifth spot on the list.
Making up the top five is Education Minister Richard Bruton with €4.9million and Fianna Fail’s Sean Haughey’s net worth of €4.8million make up the top five. It has also emerged half of Irish politicians are now worth more than €1million, with the combined wealth of all TDS in Leinster House, estimated to be worth more than €216million.
Male politicians make up the bulk of the rich list, with just 11 female politicians said to be worth €1million or more.
What half of Irish politicians are worth, with 11 of them female