John Comer, the former president of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association (ICMSA), has put his hat in the ring for a seat in next year’s European Parliament elections.
The dairy farmer, from Ballyvary, Co. Mayo, has been nominated to contest the elections as a Fianna Fail candidate by his local branch.
It is understood that the nomination was confirmed at a local branch meeting last weekend, according to the Connaught Telegraph.
Various political parties and independent groupings have approached Comer about running as an MEP in the Midlands-North and West constituency, since his tenure at the helm of the ICMSA came to an end less than three months ago.
Speaking to AgriLand in recent weeks Comer said: “I love being at home and the luxury of not always being on the phone; but, long-term I still have a passion for representing people that I feel I am one of and that I understand.
I have been approached and I’ve been flattered by a lot of people asking what my plan is and if I would consider running.
“The feelers are being put out by all sorts of parties and the reality is I come from a mixed household.
“My traditions would be steeped in Fianna Fail, and my wife’s family would be very active members of Fine Gael,” he said.
The father-of-three, who stood as president of the ICMSA for six years, stressed that he is a “firm believer” in party politics.
“I believe in the support of a party, more so than independents, in terms of capacity to deliver for the electorate and in terms of organisation and structure,” he said.
On this occasion, Comer – who describes himself as “extremely passionate about the future of Europe” – appears to be sticking to his personal political roots.
