MEP MacManus meets with Sligo IFA Representatives 
 
Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus recently met with Sligo IFA Chair Michael O’Dowd and Vice-Chair Bernard Finan to discuss pressing issues currently affecting farmers in the region.
 
The meeting with Sligo IFA representatives was part of a week-long engagement for MacManus with stakeholders in the agriculture sector that included further meetings with Donegal and Longford IFA representatives, Leitrim organic farmers as well as visits to Ballinasloe Mart, Ballyhaise Agriculture College and a number of farm visits across his constituency. 
 
Speaking following the engagement with Sligo IFA, MacManus said, “Today’s meeting was very useful. We spoke at length about issues such as forestry, free trade, generational renewal and farmers exiting the sector. My sincere thanks goes to both Michael and Bernard for making time in their busy schedules to have the discussion.”
 
“In terms of my work in the European Parliament these direct engagements with regional representatives are vital. The issues raised in meetings like today’s, directly inform how I do my job in Brussels.”
 
The Midlands Northwest MEP concluded by pledging his ongoing commitment to raising the voices of farmer at an EU level. “As a member of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development in the European Parliament, I will always do my utmost to represent farmers in rural Ireland to the best of my abilities. In Sinn Féin we believe that the family farm model is the beating heart of our rural communities. We want to stand up for those farmers.” ENDS
 
Below: Chris MacManus MEP (Centre) pictured with Sligo IFA Chair Michael O’Dowd (Left) and Vice-Chair Bernard Finan (Right)