Farming community must not be damaged because of squabbling ministers, warns Byrne

West Tyrone MLA, Joe Byrne has warned the farming community must not suffer because of two Executive ministers who have been embroiled in a legal battle.

Mr. Byrne, who is vice-chairperson of the Assembly Agriculture Committee said:“The farming community must not be damaged because of an ugly squabble between DARD Minister Michelle O’ Neill and Finance Minister Simon Hamilton.

“It seems quite incredible that two Ministers in the Executive Government of Northern Ireland are engaged in a turf war about EU CAP finance earmarked for the Farming and Rural community for the 2014/2020 period. Both Ministers have been involved in a High Court legal battle about the EU CAP monies, in particular Pillar 1 Direct payments and Pillar II Rural Development monies.

“Once again, it would appear the dysfunctional Executive is being exposed now for all to see. Minister Michelle O’ Neill has caved in to the legal challenge by Minister Simon Hamilton without any public explanation.

“The question is, why did Sinn Fein Minister O Neill and DARD take such a gamble on Pillar 1 to Pillar II transfers and not at least keep other Ministers on board for collective approval? Equally, why did Minister Simon Hamilton and DFP not seek open discussion with DARD when political problems arose in late December?

“The farming and rural community in general are now left in a state of confusion, and many people are asking what kind of haphazard devolved government do we have here in Northern Ireland.

“Personally, I believe DARD and the Minister Michelle O’Neill should have been more forthcoming earlier on Pillar 1 to Pillar II intended transfers. The most concerning thing, however, is why is this devolved regional government so lacking in collective and effective decision making.

“The EU officials in Brussels won’t be very impressed or, indeed, happy with this state of affairs regarding how CAP money is being handled here.

“Surely, the DUP First Minister Peter Robinson and the Sinn Fein Deputy First Minster Martin McGuinness are duty bound to sort out these ministerial squabbles between their respective ministerial colleagues before recourse to the High Court.

“The sooner this political mess is cleared up the better for all, especially for all the rural people across the North and everyone engaged in the agri-Food sector.”