Pat ‘moo’ves on to advise Wallace
IRISH Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) president, New Ross man Patrick Kent has rowed in behind Independent TD Mick Wallace, saying he has the bottle and ability to take on the big guns in the European Union, if elected in late May.
Having headed up the ICSA for almost three terms, Mr Kent stepped down from his position as leader of the body last week, to take up the role with Deputy Wallace, saying he left the organisation in a better shape than when he took on the role as its president in 2004. ‘I was in the third quarter of my third term as president. It was an exit strategy.’
Mr Wallace is running for an MEP seat in the South constituency. Mr Kent will be advising him on agricultural policy. He is meeting Deputy Wallace this week to iron out the details of how he can assist him in his bid to get elected in Europe.
Mr Kent said the phone call from Mr Wallace had ‘come out of the blue’ and he has only met the candidate three times. He said he will take up the paid role and is focussed on getting Mr Wallace elected. He is second on a list of five replacements in the Dáil named by Independents 4 Change MEP candidate Mick Wallace on his replacement list. Mr Kent has an in depth knowledge of Brussels, having bought cattle there since 30 years ago and lobbied for farmers in the city many times with the ICSA. ‘We, in Ireland, are major food exporters. As lobbyists these are factors you have to take into consideration and Mick is aware of that and he will represent the farming sector in a very positive way.’
Although Mr Kent says he does not agree with Mr Wallace on everything, there are many synergies in how they view the importance of food and health in society. ‘I think it’s very important we have strong politicians in Europe. We need to fight in the place where the policies are made for Ireland Inc. Brussels can be a cold, austere city but Mick is well travelled and is not afraid to take on the big guns. We have elected people in the past who just don’t have the bottle or ability.’
He said his time heading the ICSA has opened doors for him. ‘I have no regrets. We have done a lot of lobbying and I will be pursuing different roles. Other options are appearing so we’ll see what they offer.’