The former president of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA), Dermot Kelleher, today (Saturday, March 16) announced that he has joined the Independent Ireland party and will run as a local election candidate.
Kelleher will stand for election in Macroom, Co. Cork with the Independent Ireland party that was established late last year by independent TDs Michael Collins and Richard O’Donoghue.
It is Ireland’s 27th political party and last month the Independent Roscommon-Galway TD, Michael Fitzmaurice, confirmed that he had also joined forces with Deputies Collins and O’Donoghue.
Kelleher, a suckler farmer from Inchigeela in west Cork, had played a key role in the ICSA as a long standing member.
He lost his wife Mary to motor neurone disease last May.
Election candidate
Kelleher said today he had been “inspired” to stand as an election candidate by Deputy Collins’ work and his “dedication to the people of west Cork”.
“His advocacy for vital healthcare services, such as Bantry General Hospital, resonates deeply with me, particularly after the recent passing of my beloved wife Mary.
“It gave us great comfort to know she passed in Bantry hospital rather than a large general hospital potentially lying on a trolley – it is this and the great work that Michael Collins does that made me decide to run for Independent Ireland,” Kelleher added.
He set out today that some of the key areas he will focus on as an election candidate which will include “mental health in Irish agriculture” and also the “importance of food regulation” and the need for an independent food regulator to safeguard the interests of farmers and consumers.
Kelleher added: “The establishment of a food regulator is a significant step forward, but we must ensure that it operates independently to deliver transparency in the food chain.
“I will continue to advocate for the autonomy of the food regulator to protect the interests of farmers and consumers.”
According to the Independent Ireland party leader, Michael Collins, Kelleher’s leadership and advocacy have been invaluable to the farming community”.
“He has worked for decades for his community in Cork and also across the country advocating for farmers and the people of rural Ireland in general.
“His decision to join our party speaks volumes about our shared commitment to representing the needs of our communities,” Collins added.
Meanwhile Deputy Fitzmaurice has also welcomed Kelleher’s decision to join the political party.
He said Kelleher’s “vast experience and knowledge of the agricultural sector will be an outstanding asset for our party”.