Speaking on RTÉ's Marian Finucane Show on Saturday morning, the Kerry South TD admitted that he admires one crucial part of President Donald Trump's politics.
Trump has railed against federal regulations in the United States, and insisted that for one new regulation to be introduced, two more must be done away with. Healy-Rae believes this attitude “shows the intelligence of the man".
One of the most crucial regulations Trump has done away with is "the fiduciary rule", which requires that brokers act in their client's best interests rather than being motivated by maximising their own profit.
Healy-Rae believes that Trump's stand against regulations would be similarly appropriate in Ireland, adding “Ireland is overrun with over-regulation”.
Speaking about Trump's book, The Art Of The Deal, which he has read, Healy-Rae also expressed admiration for Trump's achievements in business as a young age.
Healy-Rae did clarify that he does take issue with Trump's attitudes towards minorities, adding that he would be "very critical" of Trump's moves to marginalise and divide people in the United States.
