Hogan has the ability to ‘dig in’ on behalf of EU farmers
They should be determined, dogged and have an in-depth understanding of all aspects of their brief — most specifically, they must be absolutely determined to defend EU farmers and primary food producers from the threat posed by proposals we see emanating from specifically Mercusor and, possibly, the TTIP talks. Very few would disagree with the proposition that Phil Hogan does possess those qualities, and that is why ICMSA, the State’s specialist dairy family farm organisation, welcomed the announcement of his appointment. EU farmers need someone who’s going to fight on their behalf and it’s our belief that in Phil Hogan they’ve got someone who will do exactly that.
In recognising this appointment, I’d like to stress that ICMSA has, in common with many others, grave reservations about the ‘nuts and bolts’ of the water charges piloted through by Mr Hogan, particularly in relation to how they affect farmers and, even more specifically, with respects to the grossly unfair multi-metering aspect which will penalise fragmented farm holdings. Mr Hogan knows what we think of that — we’ve told him often enough.
