The nitrates derogation is being questioned by independent TDs as negotiations between independent groupings and the main parties over the formation of a government continue.

Roscommon–Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice said: “I’m opposed to extending the nitrates derogation. Every farmer should be at the same level. The pig and poultry sectors do need concessions, and they should be renewed.”

Marian Harkin who represents Sligo–Leitrim said: “We need to ask what are we trying to achieve long-term here. We need short-term solutions, but also long-term solutions that protect our water quality.”

Investment

Mattie McGrath, from the dairy heartland of Tipperary, had a different view, saying: “ We can’t just pull the rug from dairy farmers that have invested massively over the last five years.”

All three spoke of the need to tackle calendar farming.

Fitzmaurice believes that young farmers need a package of measures that will deliver €20,000 for someone on the average holding of 32ha, “or we’re at nothing”.

Harkin said she had no red lines in negotiations but does have a bottom line in that there needs to be a balance of development between the regions, with broadband delivery vital.

“I’m concerned that more remote areas at the bottom of the pile will eventually be dropped off,” she said.

McGrath said the election was a vote for change in rural Ireland that wanted fair play for “all of us outside the M50”.

All three independents support live exports, a coupled payment of some kind for sucklers and further convergance of the CAP, which must be fully-funded. They all also backed the need for rural transport schemes.

All also agree that there is an onus on the main parties to form a government without a second election.

“If we go back to the voters, we’ll be hunted from the doorsteps,” said McGrath.