First elected as a Kerry county councillor in 1999, he won a Dáil seat in 2011, succeeding his father Jackie Healy-Rae. He is opposed to stricter controls on drink-driving as he feels it negatively affects people in isolated rural communities and is an active campaigner in his local area.

I have proven that having an independent voice for Kerry representing its people in the Dáil is of important benefit to the people of the county.

To ensure that there is employment for everybody who is able to work and that no one leaves the country because they have to.

I would continue to do exactly what I am doing now and that is representing the people to the best of my availability at all times.