By Dionne Meehan
A DONEGAL farmer has set up a new political party in a bid to bring rural voices back into Irish politics.
Redcastle man Liam McLaughlin established the Farmers’ Alliance Group earlier this year as a result of fertiliser costs sky rocketing.
His aim was to import fertiliser from mainland Europe where it is a fraction of Ireland’s price.
However, once Liam began holding meetings it soon became apparent there were more issues facing farmers than the price of fertiliser.
In March, Liam told the Donegal News that a couple of farmers who attended the first meeting were practically in tears trying to explain their case.
Now five months on, the group is looking for more “like-minded” people to get involved.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Liam said the party will be fighting on behalf of everyone, not just the farmer.
“We understand this is going to be a mammoth task but we believe in people power.
“We are looking for change so therefore we need to come out and make it happen,” he said.
At a meeting last Saturday, Farmers’ Alliance met to outline the main objectives their organisation hopes to achieve.
These include the freedom to farm, food security, to protect land, the environment and property rights, to challenge E.U. policy, to ensure the primary producer gets a fair share of the retail price, the freedom of expression/speech, to challenge disinformation and to be a voice for communities looking for fair representation, fair income and fair cost of living.
With plans for meetings in the near future, Liam has urged anyone who feels they can make a difference to get in contact.
“There is no strength without unity,” he said.
To sign up visit www.farmersalliance.ie or for more information contact Liam on 0873667339.
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