Voters are being misled on GM foods

APART from genetically modified foods, I can think of no area where voters in this food-producing country have been so misled and so let down by the Government.

Our political leaders know that GM foods cannot coexist with conventional or organic foods. Cross-pollination will always happen and cannot be reversed. It has been proven time and again but, incredibly, the Government still wants us to try it.

By refusing to allow GM foods here, Ireland has a wonderful opportunity to become one of the major acceptable food producers for the whole of Europe.

Surveys show that more than 70% of the European population do not wish to buy GM foods, so to tell us they will increase our market share is extremely dishonest.

In fact, it will greatly shrink our potential market and also destroy our reputation for good food production forever. GM foods should be an election issue and we should not support any candidate who does not reject them.

The future of Ireland’s food production is far more important than the relationships of a few dubious politicians with any multinational chemical company.

Richard D Barton

Kevin Street

Tinahely

Co Wicklow