‘Big Phil’ Hogan attends Brexit breakfast

TALKING BREXIT EU Commissioner Phil Hogan pictured at the Mayo Brexit Breakfast Briefing, hosted by Senator Michelle Mulherin, in the Twin Trees Hotel Ballina. The briefing was also addressed by IBEC’s Paul Kelly, Director Food and Drink Industry Ireland and IFA National President Joe Healy.  Pic: Henry Wills

Fine Gael Mayo Senator, Michelle Mulherin, has declared the Mayo Brexit Briefing to have been ‘a great success’.
“I was delighted at the strong turnout for the Mayo Brexit Breakfast Briefing in Ballina, last Friday morning,” said Senator Mulherin.
“Speakers at the event included European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan; IFA National President, Joe Healy and on behalf of IBEC, Director of Food and Drink Industry Ireland, Paul Kelly.
“Commissioner Phil Hogan brought his usual energy and incisive thinking. He set out very clearly the precarious predicament we are in owing to Brexit and the complexity of issues to be addressed. The Government will need to be crystal clear with our European partners of what exactly we need from the Brexit negotiations. Establishing the extent of what is required is an ongoing body of work which requires continued engagement with the UK and other EU members.
“IFA President, Joe Healy, spoke of the importance of agricultural production to the Irish economy highlighting that 75% of inputs for farming are sourced locally, more so than any other industry in Ireland. The challenges to farming from changes in our relationship with UK are immense.”
Senator Mulherin added that Paul Kelly talked about Brexit impacting negatively on Ireland’s competitiveness compared to the UK.
“They can discard State Aid rules when it comes to supporting business and industry. He also highlighted the high cost of borrowing here compared to other EU countries. He believes that there needs to be transitional arrangements to soften Brexit and a stabilisation fund.
“The last thing we want is a hard breakup akin to a messy divorce between Britain and the EU with Ireland as the child who must endure a lot of suffering.
“Fine Gael’s priorities are to look after the interests of our citizens, look after the interests of Ireland’s economy, look after the relationship we have with both Northern Ireland and the UK, including the peace process, and look after our place in Europe for the future. Fine Gael is hosting Brexit response meetings up and down the country on this vitally important issue and we are keen to hear all views,” concluded Senator Mulherin.