Sinn Féin is calling for the Dáil to be reconvened and a new minister for agriculture to be appointed “without delay”.
Matt Carthy, the party’s spokesperson for agriculture, claimed that the resignation today (Friday, August 21) of Dara Calleary as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine “reinforces the chaos at the heart of the government which has been keenly felt by farmers, fishers and rural communities”.
The Cavan-Monaghan TD said: “This is a crucial period for Irish agriculture and fishing. Rural communities need focus and resolve in facing the challenges presented by Brexit, coronavirus and the long-standing inequalities in these sectors. Instead they have got chaos and dysfunction.
The anger and frustration within the public is palpable and growing since the government’s announcements of further restrictions on Tuesday.
“We need an agriculture minister in place immediately. The suggestion that the Taoiseach can moonlight in that role when the Brexit talks recommence is nonsensical,” Carthy argued.
“The Dáil must be reconvened so that all ministers can be held accountable for their actions. Especially, we need an appointment of a new minister for agriculture who will work with us to deliver fair prices, fair play and a fair CAP [Common Agricultural Policy] for our farmers, fishers and rural communities,” Cathy concluded.
‘I should have had the cop-on’ – Calleary
Calleary has said that he “should have had the cop-on not to have gone” to the Oireachtas Golf Society event.
Speaking on Midwest Radio this morning, Calleary apologised for making a “big mistake”.
“I should have had the cop-on not to have gone… That’s why I’ve taken the position [to resign] I have,” the now-former minister said.