A better balance needs to be struck for Clare farmers between food security, climate security and energy security, according to an independent candidate in Ireland South.
Eddie Punch believes now is the time to strike a better balance between food security, climate security and energy security in each of the Member States.
The Independent Ireland candidate wants to see fair play extended to Irish farmers so that they can prepare for and safeguard their futures as best as possible, something which cannot be done while uncertainty persists over the Nitrates Directive, the Nature Restoration Law and other EU regulations.
The Cratloe farmer has appealed to all eligible constituents to vote in tomorrow’s European Parliament election.
In a statement issued to the Clare Champion, the former General Secretary of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) described voting as “a patriotic call to duty”.
“Everyone who has the privilege of voting should avail of that right throughout the 10 counties of Ireland South tomorrow. I’m standing in this election for Ireland’s interests in Brussels, not Brussels’ interest in Ireland and I am appealing for the public’s support to send me to the European Parliament to defend their interests.”
“I feel we need to be mindful of the mental health of our citizens, to speak up at every opportunity for the rights of people with disabilities and that Ireland should take a leadership position within Europe when it comes to advocating for the most vulnerable members of society.
“The 25 years that I spent with the ICSA, directly making the case of Irish farm families and the agrifood sector with legislators in Brussels, has provided me with an apprenticeship that no other candidate standing in Ireland’s three constituencies can lay claim to. Knowledge, expertise and experience when it comes to how Brussels works is critical when selecting your MEP. I am uniquely qualified in that respect,” he stated.
He said the goodwill and promises of support which have been extended to him throughout the constituency, from Black Head to Carnsore Point and from Bray Head to the Mizen Peninsula, has fuelled him since he declared his candidacy in March.
“Should the people of Ireland South elect me to represent them in the European Parliament, I will repay that faith by working hard, by remaining open to collaboration, by speaking up for all constituents and by listening to them throughout the lifetime of the next parliament. I will not let them down,” he pledged.
Dan Danaher
East Clare correspondent, Dan Danaher is a journalism graduate of Rathmines and UL. He has won numerous awards for special investigations on health, justice, environment, and reports on news, agriculture, disability, mental health and community.