The Dealer was taken aback by the passion with which Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughten spoke on the loss of the sugar beet industry, which could now drive biofuel aspirations.

“I recall being browbeaten by the Government and many farmers when I tried to defend the retention and development of a sugar industry in this country,” Naughten said in the Seanad recently. “They preferred to take the quick shilling from the European Commission rather than look at the long-term future needs of this country.”

His comments come at a time when European beet growers’ morale and prices are at historic lows. The Dealer will be watching the minister’s next move with interest.

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