Taoiseach Michéal Martin opens Fianna Fail marquee at Tullamore Show

TAOISEACH Michéal Martin praised the work of Fianna Fail's public representatives in Offaly when he officially opened the party's marquee at last Sunday's Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show.

Speaking directly after giving an address as guest speaker at the Show's official opening, Mr Martin said both Deputy Tony McCormack and MEP Barry Cowen had represented the party and their constituencies ably in Dail Eireann and the European Parliament.

He stressed that Barry Cowen had accomplished work on agriculture and food production and was campaigning to et a better new CAP deal for Irish farmers.

The Taoiseach also praised the work of county councillors and thanked the Cathaoirleach of Offaly Comhairle Dail Ceantair, Ronan Feighery for his service to the party in the county.

Speaking earlier at the official opening, Mr Martin said the Show personified the professionalism of the farming and agri-food sectors."Shows like this provide an important window into our past and a vision for our future."

Noting that the agri-food sector is Ireland's largest indigenous export industry, the Taoiseach said it made an important contribution to food security across the European Union.

He stressed the Government values the work of farmers and will always continue to support them.

Referring to Ireland's Presidency of the EU, Mr Martin said negotiations on the next CAP and EU Budget would be progressed over the next six months.

He said the Commission's proposals for the new CAP emphasised the importance of food security and generational change.

Mr Martin stressed the Government will continue to work closely with its European partners to build consensus on the future of CAP.

He emphasised the role CAP plays in environmental issues and referred to the devastating impact of climate change witnessed across Europe this summer.

The Taoiseach stressed that the new CAP will place an emphasis on encouraging young people to enter farming through an increased focus at EU level on generational change

.In a brief address at the marquee opening, MEP Cowen encouraged all to enjoy the "fruits of work and labour on the land" which the Show had to offer.

Mr Martin and Deputy McCormack also launched a new proposal to develop Camino De Uíbh Fháilí, an ambitious new tourism product centred around the Grand Canal Greenway in County Offaly

.The proposal, which was produced by Deputy McCormack, seeks to create an internationally recognised walking, cycling and running experience stretching from the Kildare border across the county to Shannon Harbour, linking communities, businesses, heritage attractions and tourism providers along the route.

The launch took place in front of a large crowd at the Fianna Fáil tent during what was a hugely successful Tullamore Show, with record numbers attending this year's event.