Coughlan to face Fine Gael ‘no confidence’ motion

A MOTION of no confidence in Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan is to be proposed in the Dáil this week by Fine Gael.

The party, which will use private members’ time to move the motion, claimed Ms Coughlan and the Government have failed to stand up for the interests of farmers, particularly in regard to the sugar beet reforms, nitrates regulations and meat imports.

Fine Gael agriculture spokesman Denis Naughten said the minister’s tenure started off hopefully 16 months ago but it has since gone downhill rapidly.