Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South, Kathleen Funchion, has said that Sinn Féin will continue to stand up for Irish farmers in the European Parliament, in the Dáil and in every local council.

Funchion was speaking at the annual Iverk Agricultural Show in Piltown, South Kilkenny.

MEP Funchion said:

“The Irish farming and fishing communities have been badly let down by successive Irish governments and by the European Union.

“Irish farmers need Sinn Féin and our elected representatives to stand up for them and challenge every decision-making body that we can – in Brussels and in the Dáil.

“Someone in farmers’ corners is never more important than now. During my recent election campaign, I heard from smaller, family farmers across Ireland South who have had to contend with rising costs, the unreliability of schemes, changes to CAP which have reduced smaller farmers payments, and price volatility leading many to question the viability of their family farm.

“Today, I got the opportunity to talk directly, again with those most impacted by the legislation that emanates from Europe. People spoke to me about their love of farming, their commitment to the communities they live in and crucially their innate understanding of the land they are custodians of.

“Sinn Fein have worked hard to develop solutions with the farming community, because farmers have the answers to some of these issues. They are the most invested in ensuring the sector stays viable and provides their families with a future on the land. I intend to continue this work in the European Parliament.

“Sinn Féin have been critical of a government that have stood back, as we recently saw with Uisce Éireann’s recent announcement of significant increases in water and wastewater costs from anywhere between €250 to €5,000 annually, coupled with the cynical move to establish a generational renewal commission, despite Sinn Féin bringing forward legislation earlier this year calling for a thorough review and plan for the future of farming in this country.

“This government is running out of ideas and with a general election looming is clutching for ideas – Sinn Féin have the solutions.

“We need a reset in Brussels and in the Irish government that will stand up for, defend and show pride in this wonderfully diverse and critical sector.”