US president Donald Trump has been termed a “cattle dealer” who is here for the short-term, in a speech given by European Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan.
Delivering the keynote address at the Kennedy Summer School in Co Wexford on 7 September, he gave a vigorous response to bullying tactics used by the US recently.
Rural roots
In a nod to his rural roots, Hogan said: “Producers and farmers are for the long-term. They don’t bet the business because, if they go under, it is forever.
“Dealers and traders are for the short-term. They can go for bigger bets – if they go under, all they need to start again is enough money from a different source to buy a few head of cattle.”
The EU does not welcome the America First bully
He continued that although president of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker had built a rapport and met President Trump, Europe would not allow itself to be bullied by the US.
“The EU does not welcome the America First bully. It will deal with him where it can, but will always stand four-square against the idea that America can put its elbows on the table and dictate terms.
“We don't like it when the president of the US treats its long-time ally, the EU, as a 'security threat'.
“The union does not approach America First wearing blinkers. It is aware of the risks, of the downside, but it steps forward ready to engage in constructive conversations.”
Brexit stooges
Responding to the threat of Brexit, Commissioner Hogan gave a firm indication of the Brussels viewpoint on the matter.
“More than two years after the referendum, the United Kingdom remains in a pickle. And, by pickle, I mean that the UK is trapped in a recurring cycle of silly behaviour,” Hogan said.
“If the UK attitude is Chequers and only Chequers, there will be no agreement before March next year on the future trade relationship.”
He also insisted that the UK needed to realise the importance of maintaining an invisible border between the north and south of Ireland.
The UK is trapped in a recurring cycle of silly behaviour
“In trade terms, maintaining the invisible border will be good for the UK, good for Northern Ireland, good for Ireland and good for the EU. Dialling down the rhetoric would allow these incontrovertible facts to come to the fore.”
He also gave a searing indictment of commentary from some of the leading Brexiteers in the Conservative and UKIP parties.
“Don’t be misled by the rhetoric of Mr Johnson, Mr Farage and Mr Rees Mogg. They like to see themselves as the Three Musketeers. They are more like the Three Stooges.”
Leadership
Hogan was forthright in his defence of the EU against the threat of populism and encouraged attendees not to give way to resignation in the face of threats to the Union.
He concluded, fittingly, with a quote from former US president John F Kennedy.
"Courage — not complacency — is our need today. Leadership — not salesmanship. And the only valid test of leadership is the ability to lead, and lead vigorously."
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US president Donald Trump has been termed a “cattle dealer” who is here for the short-term, in a speech given by European Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan.
Delivering the keynote address at the Kennedy Summer School in Co Wexford on 7 September, he gave a vigorous response to bullying tactics used by the US recently.
Rural roots
In a nod to his rural roots, Hogan said: “Producers and farmers are for the long-term. They don’t bet the business because, if they go under, it is forever.
“Dealers and traders are for the short-term. They can go for bigger bets – if they go under, all they need to start again is enough money from a different source to buy a few head of cattle.”
The EU does not welcome the America First bully
He continued that although president of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker had built a rapport and met President Trump, Europe would not allow itself to be bullied by the US.
“The EU does not welcome the America First bully. It will deal with him where it can, but will always stand four-square against the idea that America can put its elbows on the table and dictate terms.
“We don't like it when the president of the US treats its long-time ally, the EU, as a 'security threat'.
“The union does not approach America First wearing blinkers. It is aware of the risks, of the downside, but it steps forward ready to engage in constructive conversations.”
Brexit stooges
Responding to the threat of Brexit, Commissioner Hogan gave a firm indication of the Brussels viewpoint on the matter.
“More than two years after the referendum, the United Kingdom remains in a pickle. And, by pickle, I mean that the UK is trapped in a recurring cycle of silly behaviour,” Hogan said.
“If the UK attitude is Chequers and only Chequers, there will be no agreement before March next year on the future trade relationship.”
He also insisted that the UK needed to realise the importance of maintaining an invisible border between the north and south of Ireland.
The UK is trapped in a recurring cycle of silly behaviour
“In trade terms, maintaining the invisible border will be good for the UK, good for Northern Ireland, good for Ireland and good for the EU. Dialling down the rhetoric would allow these incontrovertible facts to come to the fore.”
He also gave a searing indictment of commentary from some of the leading Brexiteers in the Conservative and UKIP parties.
“Don’t be misled by the rhetoric of Mr Johnson, Mr Farage and Mr Rees Mogg. They like to see themselves as the Three Musketeers. They are more like the Three Stooges.”
Leadership
Hogan was forthright in his defence of the EU against the threat of populism and encouraged attendees not to give way to resignation in the face of threats to the Union.
He concluded, fittingly, with a quote from former US president John F Kennedy.
"Courage — not complacency — is our need today. Leadership — not salesmanship. And the only valid test of leadership is the ability to lead, and lead vigorously."
Read more
Hogan rejects Brazil claims on Mercosur
Further flexibilites announced for GLAS farmers
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