The former independent TD Jackie Healy-Rae has died. He was 83.

He represented Kerry South for 14 years - and twice was crucial in appointing Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach.

Our political correspondent Gavan Reilly reports.

After decades as a member of Fianna Fáíl, Jackie Healy-Rae tried to run for the Dáil for the party in 1997.

He was turned down, so he ran as an independent - and won - and then became one of four independent TDs upon whom the government became reliant for its Dáil majority.

Going to the national parliament with his trademark flat cap, Kerry was always his priority - regularly demanding investment in the county in exchange for supporting the government.