Anger as debate neglects agriculture

IT was frustrating that agriculture was left out of the two pre-election debates on RTÉ this week, Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association general secretary Eddie Punch said yesterday.

He said none of the party leaders put any emphasis on agriculture, or even the wider agri-food sector.

Farmers will feel very disappointed that it hardly merited mention from any of the six party leaders.

“While much discussion understandably dwelt on issues such as health and crime, the sustainability of the agri-food sector will have a strong bearing on the economy,” he said.

“So much economic development has been linked to construction growth and foreign direct investment.

“It would be foolhardy to anticipate that this will continue unabated.

“Construction will slow and other countries, especially in Eastern Europe will compete aggressively for foreign direct investment.

“EU plans to harmonise taxes have ominous implications for further multinational investment here,” he said.

Mr Punch said the agri-food sector accounts for almost 9% of GDP but is much more important as it has such low import content, is very export oriented and agri-food jobs are spread very evenly across the country.

“Concern about the future of this sector should be higher on the priorities of election candidates and should not be ignored in important debates,” he said.