Former Rural Affairs Minister Michael Ring has said he will not vote in favour of fines for people in rural Ireland who breach the 5km travel restriction.
Speaking at a Fine Gael parliamentary party, Mr Ring said the Government should have stuck with Level 3 restrictions instead of imposing a national lockdown.
The Mayo TD said the rules set out in Level 3 should have been enforced rather than stricter regulations being introduced.
The Dáil is due to debate the new system of fines for breaches of public health rules tomorrow. This will include a €500 fine for anyone who travels further than 5km from their home for a non-essential purpose.
Fine Gael TDs, senators and MEPs are meeting via teleconference to discuss the latest public health measures introduced by the Government.
“Ring let a roar,” a source said before adding that the former minister said “we should have stayed at Level 3”.
Another source said: “Michael Ring won’t vote for fines for people in rural Ireland who break 5km rule.”
Former Education Minister Joe McHugh also raised issue with the 5km rural for rural Ireland.
Mr McHugh said during the first lockdown the evenings were brighter and people might now have to travel further than 5km to find a safe place to walk during winter evenings.
The Donegal TD did not go as far as Mr Ring in saying he would vote against fines for breaches of the rule.
A number of party members including Kildare North TD Bernard Durkan and Senator Regina Doherty raised concerns about the country being more divided ahead of the second lockdown.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said he feared a “mental health epidemic” will come after the Covid-19 pandemic.
They are fighting among themselves already .
