Write a commentSpeaking at the launch of the Party Agriculture Manifesto, Newry/Armagh Westminster Candidate, Mickey Brady said that Sinn Fein would endeavour to ‘rural proof’ all legislation in the Assembly.
“This is part of our commitment to rural communities right across Ireland,” he said.
“We want to ensure farmers get a proper price for their produce, we want to get rid of the difficulties and differences in cross border trade and prices and we want to support and protect rural SMEs.
“We’ll ensure that no legislation goes through the Assembly if it is to the disadvantage or exclusion of rural Ireland.”
His party colleague Martin Ferris TD said the move would be mirrored in the 26 counties with a Rural Equality Bill to go in front of the Dail.
Turning to Europe he said the future of Ireland's farming and rural communities lay within the EU.
“Ireland north and south has benefitted enormously from membership of the European Union.
“Every section of our society has been enriched by our involvement with Europe through access to vitally important European funding. This is an enormous market for our business sector and the diversity that new communities have brought to our society.
“Agriculture in particular has been a major beneficiary of our membership of the European Union through the Common Agricultural Policy and Single Farm Payment.
“Any suggestion from unionists or their allies in the Tory party and UKIP that the North should leave Europe would be economically disastrous. The economic impact of withdrawal would be disastrous for the border corridor counties and towns in particular.
“The spectre of a return of border customs posts and tariffs would put many local businesses to the wall.
“Leaving the EU would be pandering to racist and xenophobic elements who have absolutely no regard for the best interests of people living in the North of Ireland.
"Our agriculture industry and rural communities who continue to reap the benefits of European Union membership through the Rural Development Programme would suffer disproportionately.
"Together with match funding, the total investment since the scheme began will surpass £1 billion by 2020.
"Another area in which we have benefited is through the European Fisheries Fund which has made a significant contribution to our economy and commercial fishing and coastal communities to the tune of £9 million.
"The benefits of our membership of the European Union are clear for all to see. They are all around us in our rural communities, in agriculture and business communities.
"Those who advocate a withdrawal from the European Union cannot possibly ignore these benefits. Nor can they provide a reasonable or viable alternative as a way of supporting our farming and rural communities in the event that they get their wish for an EU withdrawal. Will any British government guarantee to compensate our rural and agricultural communities in particular for any loss in the event of withdrawal.
“The funding and support provided by the European Union to agricultural and rural communities is vital and irreplaceable.
"Simply put, our place and the place for our farming and rural communities is in the European Union."
