Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae has faced a backlash of criticism after he seemingly heaped praise on former FAI CEO John Delaney, during Wednesday’s Oireachtas sports Committee hearing.
Healy-Rae who was in attendance with fellow cabinet ministers to discuss the issues surrounding Delaney’s €100,000 loan to the FAI, came in for strong criticism after he gave a three minute speech praising the work of Delaney whilst he was in his former role.
Speaking before the Committee on Wednesday, the Independent TD said that Mr Delaney would be given the mother of all welcomes in kerry given his reputation and respectability that precedes him.
Healy-Rae who also thanked Delaney for his commitment to his job over the years also said that he would like to remind those in attendance that the only thing Mr Delaney could be accussed of is being passionately committed to his job.
However despite Healy-Rae singing the praises of the FAI chief, it did not sit well with fellow cabinet ministers with Solidarity-People Before Profit TD Ruth Coppinger, branding the Kerry man a joke for his comments.
Meanwhile Healy-Rae was subjected to further criticism later on Wednesday evening, when Virgin Media’s The Tonight Show host Ivan Yates, branded him a national embarrassment and accussed him of defending the indefensible during a heated debate on the panel which also included former Ireland international footballer Niall Quinn.