Are farmers being vilified? - Waterford election candidates have their say

Both WLR FM and Waterford Chamber of Commerce hosted election debates last week, with a key issue raised in part one of WLR’s debate being farming.

When asked to speak on the topic by moderator Damien Tiernan, Conor McGuinness said: “We need to see an end to the demonisation of farmers and put supports in place to secure the future of the family farm. Farmers, as opposed to any other sector, are being routinely blamed for climate change and the climate crisis in Ireland.” 

Labour candidate Sadhbh O’Neill disagreed with McGuinness’ assessment, saying that "nobody is demonising farmers".

“What I heard there from Conor is really disappointing," she added, "because it is possible to be on the side of farmers and family farmers, and to want to protect their income and future generations of younger farmers without having to sacrifice our environment or water quality."

Matt Shanahan added: “I would absolutely say the farming sector has been vilified." 

He said the vilification is coming largely from environmental lobbyists, to which Mr. Tiernan asked: “Is it coming from the likes of Sadhbh?”

Shanahan replied: "Very much so... I want farmers to be treated properly and I want just transition for farmers, they’re certainly not getting that."

O’Neill responded: “I have been demonised, because it’s easy to scapegoat people. The science is uncomfortable and inconvenient. It's inconvenient to think about the agricultural model, which has generated so much wealth in Ireland, to be the cause of pollution and emissions… I have not demonised farmers ever.” 

Mary Butler was asked by Mr Tiernan, "Have you been part of this demonisation of farmers?"

“No I haven’t,” she replied, “and Fianna Fáil sees the family farm as central to rural Ireland's vitality.” 

Independent Aaron Joyce added: “It seems we can burn coal in factories in China, but cow farting in Ireland is a problem? I have a massive issue with the climate change agenda."

Meanwhile, during Waterford Chamber’s pre-election debate, moderated by Paul Nolan, candidates were asked if they have any redline issues.

Mary Butler said: “I always find you’re better off working inside of government trying to deliver, than putting down redline issues.”

John Cummins similarly commented: “You achieve things in government by working together with one another."

Mary Roche said her redline issue is balanced regional development, whilst Independent Killian Mangan said his was decentralisation.

The full debates can be viewed on the 'We Are WLR' and Waterford Chamber of Commerce YouTube channels.