The ongoing controversy between Fine Gael and the opposition parties regarding water charges has left a question mark over the long-term viability of the Government.

There is also the looming leadership contest within Fine Gael. It is now widely anticipated that An Taoiseach Enda Kenny will step down next month and as it stands, Leo Varadkar and Simon Coveney are the two favourites to succeed Kenny.

Once a new leader is in place, and assuming the Government is still standing, a reshuffle of cabinet ministers is inevitable.

Regardless of the leadership outcome, Minister Michael Creed has said he wants to stay in Agriculture House.

Finish what he started

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journalas part of a trade mission in Dubai this week, Minister Creed said he would like to finish the work he has started.

“Ever since my appointment, I have been acutely conscious of the unique, in an Irish context, formation of the current Government.

“What I have got to say to myself is ‘hit the ground running like it is your last day here’. I would like to get a longer opportunity at this. My focus is on trying to do the best job possible for the area that I am responsible for,” he said.

Listen to “Creed says he wants to stay in agriculture” on Spreaker.

The Minister said his focus for as long as he remains as Minister for Agriculture will be on trying to open and develop new markets for food while dealing with the continuing uncertainty of Brexit.

Brexit is going to be the rolling maul not just in 2017

“Brexit is going to be the rolling maul not just in 2017; it is going to be around for a couple of years, but what is equally important (is) market access. With 40% (food exports from Ireland to the UK) exposure in the UK market, it is perfectly understandable why we are there at that level, but it is prudent now to be looking at more opportunities elsewhere. Trade missions are going to be very important for 2017,” he said.

The Minister concluded by saying the southeast Asian markets will be the priority for any of the next trade missions.

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