TD Michael Creed came from farming roots to ministerial office

The recent appointment of Michael Creed as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine came as a surprise to many, not least to the Cork North-West TD himself.

“It really came like a bolt out of the blue,” said Mr Creed.

“It was an absolute surprise. Back in 2011 and again during the cabinet reshuffle, there had been some media speculation that I might be in line for the post. But not this time.