Comer in the running for Euro election bid Louise Hogan
Ex-ICMSA chief going through FF selection process, writes
FORMER ICMSA president John Comer has become the latest farming leader to throw his hat into the political ring in the hope of contesting a seat in the European Parliament.
The dairy and beef farmer from Ballyvary, Co Mayo said he had been approached from “several angles” to know his intentions regarding politics after he hung up his hat with the farming body.
Mr Comer confirmed he has been nominated by his local Ballyvary Fianna Fáil Cumann to go forward to the Mayo Fianna Fáil Dáil Ceantair for potential selection in the weeks ahead.
“I’d have a passion and a drive for it. I’d have to have a lot of discussions with my wife Michelle and family,” said Mr Comer, who would be following other high-profile people from the farming world who have carved out a successful career.
With elections looming in 2019, the Midlands North-West constituency is highly competitive with Fine Gael’s Mairead McGuinness, Independent Marian Harkin, Sinn Féin’s Matt Carthy and Independent Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan all currently operating in the area.
There are over 1.2 million people eligible to vote in the four-seat sprawling constituency which stretches from Donegal down to Laois. Fianna Fáil ran two candidates in the constituency last time including Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher and Thomas Byrne with neither managing to secure a seat.
It comes at a time when it is expected that Ireland may gain two more MEP seats due to the UK’s exit. However, it is not yet known what way it would be allocated or the constituencies carved up. If selected, Mr Comer would face another strong agricultural candidate, as Ms McGuinness has built a strong profile in that area.
“They are all very strong candidates and are all advocating for their constituents as best they can, but I still feel I would have a lot to offer,” said Mr Comer, who is on the European Economic and Social Committee in Brussels.
“I’ve built up a bit of stamina, experience and profile,” he added, after six years at the helm of the farming body.
Mr Comer said he enjoys advocating on behalf of farmers and communities.
“People shouldn’t ever get complacent about the European Union. I would have a concern as we go further away from WWII that people will forget the rationale for setting it up and take peace and democracy for granted,” he said. “You need a strong voice for your own area and to make sure there is adequate investment for sustaining populations in the region.”
Mr Comer feels if the true work of the EU had been properly represented to people then Brexit would not have occurred.