Nine of the 23-strong field for the Ireland south constituency were present at the ICSA-hosted MEP hustings in Charleville, Co Cork. The lack of a Fine Gael presence on the night was noted by other candidates with Green Party senator Grace O'Sullivan stating that despite three running candidates, Fine Gael have been noticeably absent from the hustings. She added: “None of them showing up at the environmental or harder hustings."

Key points on the night

There was no such issue with Fianna Fáil as both of their candidates, Billy Kelleher TD and Malcom Byrne, were present.

Common Agriculture Policy (CAP), designated land issues and challenges and opportunities offered by environment and climate change were the key points debated on the night.

There were impassioned calls from the floor for something to be done on the issue of designated land as this had seen the value of land wiped out. It was pointed out by a number of candidates, there should be more scope within Pillar II payments to cater for farmers who farm in environmentally sensitive areas.

Independent candidate Diarmaid O’Flynn posed the question that if climate change is the order of the day: "What sense does it make having a minister in China, while beef is brought into Europe from South America?"

Referring to CAP, he was concerned as there was an increase on the overall EU budget yet there was a cap on CAP.

Sitting MEP, Sinn Féin's Liadh Ní Riada, told farmers that not many countries are as concerned about CAP as Ireland is and this is proving challenging.