Farmers in Donegal will be hoping current Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Donegal TD, Charlie McConalogue retains in position following Saturday’s Cabinet reshuffle.
Chairman of the Donegal executive of the Irish Farmers Association (IFA), Brendan McLaughlin said as far as he knew most farmers in the county would rather Minister McConalogue be in charge.
“He has been very good to Donegal farmers and is capable of understanding what is a massive portfolio. This job is something of a poison chalice and I’m not sure if many will be looking for it but I’d rather a Donegal man in charge than anyone else,” he said.
He added during Minister McConalogue’s time there had been an improvement in the flow of support to the west of the country and this was vital at a time when things such as fuel costs, hikes in inputs and restrictions were coming in.
“There are new climate and environment rules coming in on top of us and the next two years will be a challenging time for any minister dealing with agriculture and fisheries so most farmers here would believe Charlie McConalogue would be ideally placed to meet this head-on.”
Mr McLaughlin added it would be hard to say no to a government minister living on your own doorstep.
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