Nomination papers for Ian Marshall, former President of the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU), have been lodged with the clerk of the Seanad for the upcoming by-election.
The nomination is proposed by senator Michael McDowell and endorsed by eight elected representatives across the Dáil and Seanad.
Signed by TDs and senators representing a broad range of political and social opinion, Marshall points out that this nomination highlights the critical importance of uniting people across the island, to cooperate and work together for mutual benefits.
The former senator said: “There is no doubt that the impact of Brexit and the disruption created by the Covid-19 pandemic will have a profound and long-lasting effect on how we live, work, trade, and socialise.
Considering the potential of an economic downturn in the wake of these shocks and the challenges many businesses are currently facing, it has never been more important to have joined-up thinking across the island.
“Building bridges, working across all communities, ‘opening doors and opening minds’ north, south, east, and west, has never been more important to deal with issues on an ongoing basis.”
He further explained:
“Ireland is, to all intents and purposes, a single market from a farming and food perspective. The protocol recognises this fact in a very clear and forthright manner.
It cannot be changed. However, the protocol must be implemented in ways that recognise the need to allow much greater levels of unimpeded trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
Marshall added:
“Decisions to allow this happen in a meaningful way can be made quite quickly. It’s a case of starting with the low-lying fruit.”
Food standards
Where future farming and food trade patterns are concerned, Marshall believes that the UK and EU must retain similar food production standards.
“A major divergence in this regard could lead to very severe distortions of the market. This would be a very backward step,” Marshall said.
He commented:
“Priority number one for agriculture must be to ensure that the industry is adequately supported into the future.
“If this is not achieved, then the price of food will rise in the shops. No government will want this to happen.
“Farmers must deliver for the public good, when it comes to justifying the future support that they receive. This means that they must farm in ways that have the most positive impact possible on the environment.”
“It is imperative that this panel has people with direct expertise and experience in agriculture and business who can fight to ensure the sector and the economy gets the attention and support it deserves,” Marshall concluded.
Seanad vote
The last day for receiving nominations at the bye-elections will be March 23, 2021 at 12:00p.m.
The Seanad returning officer will sit for the ruling on nominations on March 30, 2021. Ballot papers will be issued on April 7, 2021 and the polls will close at 11:00a.m on April 21, 2021.
The electorate for the bye-elections will be the members of Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann.