Proud: Longford Senator Paraic Brady delighted to be inside gates of Leinster House to represent farmers

Longford Fine Gael Senator Paraic Brady used his maiden Seanad speech to express his delight at being inside the gates of Leinster House to represent farmers as opposed to being outside the gates in 2019 during the high profile beef price protests.

"I stand here as a proud farmer. A number of years ago, I was outside the gates of Leinster House trying to get the people inside the gates to listen to farmers and our needs.

"Now, I am delighted to be inside the gates to represent that community. I thank the Clerk, Martin Groves, and his team for the hospitality and the service they have shown since I have come here (Seanad)."

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Drumlish based Senator Brady continued, "It is very important that we protect our food and protect our imports and exports. Without protection and knowledge regarding our food sources and looking after rural farmers and small farmers, we will run into dangerous times.

"There is the Mercosur deal coming in from Europe and there are several other policies and documents that will come in front of us. I look forward to this challenge. I look forward to working with the eleven other Members who were elected on the agricultural panel to do what we said we would do, and to represent the agricultural sector in all its forms. I hope Deputy Martin Heydon will be a strong voice as Minister for Agriculture."

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Congratulating Senator Mark Daly on his appointment as Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, Senator Brady highlighted that it was not his first time to speak in the Chamber as he was spoke there previously when he was with the AILG to represent the council and the local elected members.

"I thank my family, my friends and my supporters for the last eleven years. I thank Longford County Council and all the staff within that council for making it possible for me to be here today. I thank all of the elected members - the councillors - for an easy campaign and for their courtesy when I visited them during the campaign.

"I would like to say something that we have instilled in Longford in recent years. When we come into a chamber, we say that we will put on the blue and gold. I think that, in this House, we should put on the green jersey and we should work for the betterment of our country. I will not be found wanting when it comes to that."

PICTURES | Glamour and style galore at mighty Grattans social in Longford Arms Hotel