Irish Examiner view: Farming no longer the be-all and end-all of rural living

Rural Irish interests remain varied, and warrant a greater place in our political and media landscape

The uniquely Irish extravaganza that is the National Ploughing Championships paints a glittering picture of rural Ireland, but it is not in any way a realistic portrait of what life is like for those living away from the bright lights and big cities. Picture: Dan Linehan

The uniquely Irish extravaganza that is the National Ploughing Championships paints a glittering picture of rural Ireland, but it is not in any way a realistic portrait of what life is like for those living away from the bright lights and big cities.

All this week in the 'Irish Examiner', we give rural Ireland a voice via our exclusive IPSOS/B&A poll which sought their views; those feeling marginalised or left behind by the fast-paced modernisation which has engulfed this country over five decades or more and those who want their views heard before the next general election.