Taoiseach 'not concerned' that Fine Gael has lost votes of farmers and gardaí

Leo Varadkar was speaking in Limerick in advance of his party's think-in which is likely to face protests from farmers

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at the newly-expanded Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum with its CEO and founding director Margaret O'Shaughnessy. Picture: Arthur Ellis 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he is not concerned that his party has lost votes from farmers and gardaí despite both cohorts being frustrated with the Government.

It comes as the Fine Gael parliamentary party prepares to hold its annual think-in in Co Limerick on Friday and Saturday.

Farmers are expected to protest at the event at the Strand Hotel in Limerick City centre over the recent nitrates derogation cut which will financially impact thousands of farmers across the country.

The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has also criticised Justice Minister Helen McEntee for what it calls a lack of engagement over issues, particularly over the Garda Commissioner’s plan to return to a pre-pandemic roster system.

Speaking in Limerick on Thursday, Mr Varadkar said the decision made in relation to the cut to Ireland’s nitrates derogation was a “not a Government decision” and that the decision came from the EU.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar passing the baton to Irish Olympic triathlete Carolyn Hayes at the opening of Newcastle West Athletics Hub, Limerick. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA 

However, Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue has faced criticism from Fine Gael politicians for not fighting for farmers on the matter. Mr McConalogue is due before the Oireachtas agriculture committee on Friday to discuss the issue.

Mr Varadkar said the nitrates derogation decision was made by the EU because of climate change and as a result of water quality not improving.

He said: “What I'd like to see in the years ahead, is a much better and renewed partnership between governments and farmers and indeed, environmental NGOs, because there are big changes coming.

I'd much rather have us engaging with farmers and farm organisations — working with them in the way we successfully work with business organisations and unions.

“But that requires, you know, give and take and common reason on both sides and that's something that I'll be talking to farmers about the next couple of days,” he added.

Mr Varadkar is due to speak to the media on Friday morning to set out his party’s agenda for the next Dáil term.

There will be a discussion about the cost-of-living crisis and “protecting the squeezed middle” and it’s expected Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys will also take questions from the media as speculation grows over the upcoming Budget.

Ms McEntee will also speak to her party colleagues about law and order which sources have said they expect her to address criticism the party has faced in the past few weeks. Sources have vented their anger that the minister “is focusing on the wrong things” mentioning the controversial new Hate Bill and have said she hasn’t focused enough on “law and order on the streets".

There will also be discussions on Agriculture with an update from junior minister at the Department, Martin Heydon.

On Saturday, the think-in will focus on a discussion and feedback session with the party, councillors, and candidates. 

There will also be a presentation on the recent changes to constituencies announced by the Electoral Commission as well as plans for the local and European elections next year.