Joe O’Connor, Ballinfull, Co Sligo
DEAR SIR
The Irish Government has made a huge blunder in the way they handled the Phil Hogan Golfgate saga. Hogan has served Ireland well both as a Commissioner for Agriculture and as Commissioner for Trade. He has proven to be strong, capable, hardworking and is very well respected in Europe. It’s unfortunate that the Government has been hoodwinked by the mass media and knee-jerk reactors. They should have looked at the broader picture, that if Ireland loses the trade portfolio, it will be the farmers and the fishermen who will suffer the consequences. Once again the Government has put party politics ahead of the national interest.
Rita O’Brien BL, Carrig, Birr, Co Tipperary
DEAR SIR
Certain factors have unduly influenced what is, a disproportionately harsh outcome for Phil Hogan. The farming sector will pay for this economically for years to come.
Heightened public outcry following on from Golfgate allowed our Tánaiste and Taoiseach to think too narrowly on this. ‘COVID-correctness’ rules supreme presently and the Irish Government had to be seen to be operating a zero-tolerance policy when it came to public servants. Hence, resignations for some high-level Government figures ensued and Hogan’s ultimate standing down, despite that the latter is not one of their servants. Phil Hogan’s reputation in Brussels was one of a hard-working, hard-bargaining and capable commissioner. The Irish Government is now falling prey to the cancel culture emerging worldwide, ruling all and any rational economic considerations. Considerations which would most firmly be in Ireland’s interests.
Given Hogan’s grasp of the Common Agricultural Policy and his input in the Mercosur deal, his deep involvement in Brexit talks and his involvement in negotiations with the US and China, Ireland has lost a heavyweight tactician on an international stage. Our agricultural sector badly needs representation of Hogan’s prowess in Europe. Facing the economic prospects which we face right now, how can our Government have been so shortsighted? Beef farmers are once again vulnerable if a trade deal is not secured upon Britain’s exit and Hogan was the trade commissioner we needed to assuage and make good any potential economic fallout from this.
Interestingly, Irish MEP Clare Daly spoke during the week, explaining that since May several MEPs had been travelling over and back (from Ireland to Brussels) on the basis that a negative COVID-19 result meant that the quarantine rules post arrival did not apply to the MEPs. The high level of account to which our commissioner was held was not in furtherance of any evident national interest, certainly not any interest to which Irish farmers align themselves.
Marian Dalton, Kilcloney, Borris, Co Carlow
DEAR SIR
While none of us are in favour of breaking COVID-19 lockdown rules, I think the departure of two ministers for agriculture and a commissioner in such a short space of time has to be a huge blow to Irish farmers. It felt rather strange to note that the people most affected by all of this (the farmers) had little or no say in what the result was going to be. Indeed I don’t think farmers or farming was mentioned much at all. I was very surprised at the silence of farmers on the ground about the events. Let us hope we can now all move on without any more surprises. But that said only time will tell what damage has been done.
Joe Leonard, Cloonaghbawn, Co Sligo
DEAR SIR
The Irish Government, by engaging in a frenzied distraction fuelled by parochialism, has damaged the future economic prospects of this country. It is unbelievable that Ireland so recklessly jettisoned its respected and successful Commissioner for Trade. No other country in Europe would do such a thing. A successful Commissioner for Agriculture with achievements as diverse as the EU-Japan trade deal and soya bean deal with the US, Phil Hogan as Commissioner for Trade had just launched a review of EU trade policy, a policy that will play a major role in determining Ireland’s economic future. Phil Hogan had restored Ireland’s reputation in Europe. Hogan in Europe provided a clear antidote to Irish parochialism, a parochialism which ironically caused his forced resignation.
Francie Gorman, Ballinakill, Co Laois
DEAR SIR
Golfgate has understandably divided our nation. When strong leadership was needed our three leaders put self-preservation before the interests of our country. We have now lost a two-time commissioner who held one of the most influential posts in the world. Phil Hogan as Commissioner for Agriculture delivered on trade supports for beef farmers, protected our interests in Mercosur, drove retail legislation and framed the current CAP in a way that will benefit Ireland. Since moving to trade, he has built a reputation and earned respect that would have benefited us in Brexit, China and US trade negotiations. I sincerely hope we will hold on to the trade brief but fear the very poor decision not to support Phil Hogan will see it going elsewhere and cost us farmers and our country dearly.
Michael Drea, Kilcarrig,
Bagenalstown, Co Carlow
DEAR SIR
It is with a heavy heart I write. But first I would like to acknowledge your support for Phil Hogan. I am not an unbiased observer as I have known and admired Phil over the full period of his illustrious career.
I am first of all a proud Irishman who is shattered with the events of last week. I don’t think anyone would deny that Ireland through Phil Hogan had one of the most powerful and diplomatically sensitive posts in Europe, facing the Brexit negotiations and the trade issues with China and especially Trump’s America.
This is not only Hogan’s loss but every Irish citizen who wants Ireland to get through this nightmare of the pandemic. It is a rare ability to be able to forge strong friendships and still be globally recognised as Big Phil. A tough, no-nonsense negotiator with the intellect to go with it.
It saddens me all that as Irish people we are changing from the “céad míle fáilte” to not only put people down but to push them out, destroy careers and families. I know two wrongs never made a right, but where has justice and forgiveness gone?
What has happened to our country when we have a senior player in Europe who admitted he made a mistake and apologised, that our three party leaders for the first time were able to agree to hound Phil Hogan out of office! In whose interest – surely not Ireland’s?
It was akin to Brian Cody breaking Henry Shefflin’s hurl and sending him out to score the winning goal in the All-Ireland. As Stephen Collins put it in The Irish Times “appeasing the lynch mob has come at a high price“.
It was amazing the lack of support for Phil Hogan from the pillars of Irish business and, sadly for me as a proud honorary life member, the Irish Farmers Association.
I would have thought that my association would have been the first to support a farmer’s son from the heart of the very loyal IFA county, Kilkenny, who was due to play a pivotal role in trade negotiations that would directly affect every single member of the IFA.
When the IFA was recovering from its problems, it organised a very successful event on Brexit in Goffs and who was there to help restore its credibility, Phil Hogan as European Commissioner for Agriculture was the guest speaker.
Eaten bread is soon forgotten.
We must accept that nobody is indispensable’ but Ireland has lost a good man.
DEAR SIR
All Kerrymen do not believe in God but they all do believe in Phil Hogan. In Brexit negotiations, while playing a blinder with Michel Barnier when dealing with the British, he looked into the whites of their eyes and made sure Ireland’s interests would be protected.
Nobody in the other European countries can understand how Ireland could shoot themselves in the foot.
His achievements include:
Delivered over €1bn in additional farm supports in 2015 and 2016 to help Irish and European farmers post the Russian ban.Voluntary milk reduction scheme in 2016, hugely helpful to Ireland.Drove retail legislation to address supermarket dominance. Framed the CAP proposals to be most beneficial to Ireland. What has been done to him is a huge embarrassment all over the world.
Name & details with the editor
DEAR SIR:
We all know the script, but did any human being deserve to be treated like Mr Hogan was? After all, he is a human being with a soul and spirit and who has family. Yes he put his hands up, and apologised.
He was not the only government person at that now famous ball, he was the one who got the hammer blow and lost his position in Europe. No other TD fell – they may have been demoted but not evicted. The law must put in place structures to protect people from the scurrilous treatment meted out by our press and others who seek to destroy a human being. Mr Hogan has served the EU and Ireland well and we all have benefited from the endeavours of his hard work in the agricultural and trade portfolios. We must never forget that. He was a brilliant man in Europe.
I am a firm believer in the adage “let he who is without sin, cast the first stone”. We are in the midst of the dreadful COVID-19 virus and everyone is trying to play their part. Mr Hogan checked his hotel, he was COVID-19 free, our Taoiseach can travel in and out of our country and not have to isolate; well, COVID-19 does not recognise diplomatic immunity.
So perhaps we can all wish Mr Hogan well and a big thank you. A serious wrong was done to Mr Hogan.
Eliza Kennedy, Co Tipperary
DEAR SIR:
I am writing to you to raise concerns about the harsh techniques being used by the Irish media presently, at a time when the health and safety of the nation should be the focus. Look at recent government casualties, Barry Cowen, Dara Calleary and Phil Hogan. Each were forced out of their roles because of a news story being released, with the media then digging deeper and deeper until they had their lives and careers in shatters.
As individuals none of us would want this extensive scrutiny into our lives. God knows what the media would dig up and how they would twist and turn the truth to ruin us because, let’s be honest, that is what the media is doing.
I’d like to specifically focus on former Commissioner Phil Hogan. For a man who has given his life to politics since 1982, the Irish media merely focused on achieving their victory with little regard to the implications for Ireland in losing a Commissioner in a vital role at a vital time. Agriculture is vital to the survival and recovery of the Irish economy from an employment and export point of view, never more so than in the coming months. It was vital to have a very strong, experienced, knowledgeable voice such as what Phil Hogan offered at the table to ensure Ireland’s interests are heard and considered. Regardless of who replaces Phil Hogan, there is no one who can replace his experienced voice to the same extent at all.
Did the media ever stop and think about the possible detrimental effects their actions might have? I dread to think of the possible negative impact ahead for Ireland, especially on agriculture as a result of the recent media attack.
One has to wonder about the freedom of the media to run riot and bring about an individual’s downfall in this manner. Do they ever think about the consequences of their actions or is their only focus headlines?
The weeks and months ahead will be very interesting and if Brexit does not go well for Ireland, the media will have to shoulder the responsibility of the role they played in costing Ireland and Irish agriculture Phil Hogan’s voice at a crucial time.
Mairead Kennedy, a worried wife of a suckler farmer, Co Tipperary
DEAR SIR:
As I write this I despair – what have the Irish and Fine Gael done to their own man and at what cost? Phil Hogan, with almost 40 years of public service, has been treated appallingly. The worst of it was when our own three leaders disowned him and threw him under a bus.
At that point not only had they shown their complete shambles of a political marriage of convenience for what it is, but worse, they insulted Europe by putting Ursula von der Leyen in that situation. Does she not have enough going on without Ireland all but telling her what to do! And what of the precedent that would set – domestic politics dictating to the European Commission!
Big Phil for all his faults probably could have handled this situation better and I think he’d admit that himself. However, this was a witch hunt. Some wanted him gone and clearly weren’t going to stop until that happened. It is a terrible shame and I am embarrassed at how our people and leaders behaved – where was the leadership, they just jumped on the anti-establishment/burn the politicians bandwagon.
And now what? Ireland has lost a major influencer at the European table and as a nation serious credibility on how we treat our own.
At a time of such huge importance with unrest in the US, Brexit and now the international impact of COVID-19, Ireland and Europe have lost their key trade negotiator, the man who can represent Ireland and our farming families like no one else can. The British must be delighted as no doubt Big Phil was a serious obstacle to their dictations at the Brexit negotiations.
Joe Melody, Bunratty, Co Clare
DEAR SIR
It has become ever more apparent over the course of this pandemic that while we are all in this together, some are more exposed than others whether that be in health or financial terms. Phil Hogan was extremely injudicious in attending the golf outing in Clifden and nobody was defending him on that point. However where the divergence in opinion began was the media’s voracious appetite for heads to roll and resignations to ensue. My strong sense from talking to fellow farmers and business people especially was that although we were all annoyed at Golfgate, we are much more interested in seeing a trade deal that serves Ireland’s interests well coming out of Brexit. The media seemed to relish every minute of the story as it emerged.
It is easy to relish a juicy “scandal” when you are not the one who has staff to pay or other commitments that all businesses have to meet. This scandal has shown just how out of step the national media is with the reality of what is facing us. Phil Hogan was less than a year in the portfolio of trade but he has proven himself as a tough negotiator over a 40-year career in politics. He had already seen through reform to the CAP and the conclusion of the Mercosur trade deal. In a union of 27 states, a small country like Ireland could not afford to lose a heavy hitter like Hogan with no guarantee of Ireland retaining that portfolio. Perhaps if the media spoke to the people that create wealth in Ireland and support employment they might be able to carry the actual news rather than a narrative of selective outrage and tabloid-esque muck raking.
Bernie Carroll, Co Limerick
DEAR SIR
I am just writing to you to express my dissatisfaction at the way Commissioner Hogan was treated last week by our Government. He was so the right man for the job as Trade Commissioner at these crucial times of negotiations with Brexit and the US. I wish Phil Hogan the very best for the future and always found him a sincere gentleman to deal with.
Michael McManus, Spa Cottage Organic Farm, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim
DEAR SIR
The farming community was surprised and shocked to hear that Commissioner Phil Hogan decided to resign. Many of us know that it will be a major loss and will cause damage to the future economic prospects of this country. No other country in Europe would have expected or allowed this to happen. Phil Hogan demanded that countries such as Brazil replant substantial areas of rainforest which they have removed without sacrificing our EU beef production which was part of the Mercosur deal. Also, he has given assurances to Irish farmers and the food industry during the uncertainty of Brexit and safeguarded the direct payments to farmers and stated that no specific member state would suffer. Phil Hogan as European Commissioner has done amazing work for Ireland and I have no doubt his departure will be greatly felt in the coming years.
Michelle Mulherin, Former Mayo TD, senator and Seanad spokesperson for agriculture, food and the marine
DEAR SIR:
Phil Hogan, former European Commissioner for Trade, was hounded out of office in a frenzy that resembled a US McCarthy communist era-style witch hunt. He had a COVID-19-free test result but was expected to quarantine just for the sake of it. We heard Clare Daly MEP subsequently explain it is standard practice for MEPs returning from Brussels not to quarantine in their home country after a negative COVID-19 test. That sounds reasonable.
The resignation of Phil Hogan as European Commissioner for Trade is a body blow for the fortunes of rural Ireland.
I have seen first-hand his support for the development of Ireland West Airport Knock and so many other projects and investments in farming and rural areas. The country has made a big mistake in the unsentimental ‘dog eat dog’ world of trade.
It is so disappointing. Big Phil is gone now but to his credit and as testament to the size of the character of the man he has stated he will be assisting his successor. Green jersey all the way!
James Finn, Thurles, Co Tipperary, dairy farmer
DEAR SIR
As a Tipperary man it’s hard to come out in support of a Kilkenny man, particularly at this time of year, but this is no game – this is business. At the most sensitive time in modern Irish history, generations of Irish farmers will feel the effects of Phil Hogan’s departure as European Commissioner for Trade. Few politicians could stand before a packed hall of farmers to tell them that the CAP budget would be cut but Big Phil did it as Commissioner for Agriculture in Kilkenny at an IFA event. That same night he got my attention as he delivered a near perfect speech on the challenges we faced in securing the best possible outcome for Ireland post-Brexit. I sat there enthralled thinking if there was ever anyone I wanted to hide behind while taking on the British, it had to be Big Phil.
It’s undeniable that Golfgate should never have happened, but neither should we have been so quick to let the wagons circle. It’s with regret that I didn’t get more time to come out and support Phil Hogan, his loss is my loss, our loss, a loss for all Ireland.
Pat McGrath, Ardnaglass,
Ballymote, Co Sligo
DEAR SIR:
I would like to express my sadness and disappointment at the enforced resignation of Phil Hogan and my disappointment with Irish Government on their handling of the matter. Mr Hogan was an excellent Commissioner for Agriculture. He held the very important role of Commissioner for Trade. It’s a very sad day for Ireland.
Tim Mulcahy, Whitechurch, Co Cork.
DEAR SIR
It is a situation of utmost importance that an Irish Commissioner for Trade is at the head of negotiations between the EU and the UK with regard to defining future relations between us.
I say that because Ireland has the most to lose of all EU nations in terms of our beef and dairy industry with our biggest and oldest trading partner if it’s a bad deal. We need an Irish Commissioner to fill the shoes of Phil Hogan, whether it be in size 10s or in stilettos, to show from an Irish perspective what we would sacrifice in an unsuitable outcome. (for the sake of unity).
Adrian O’Sullivan, German Irish Council, Berlin
DEAR SIR
I am writing to you as president of the German Irish Council based in Berlin to express the dismay that I have heard from numerous German politicians since the witch hunt of Phil Hogan that has removed a brilliant negotiator and a respected heavy hitter that achieved so much for Europe. They and I are in despair we could ‘cut off our nose to spite our face’. What they did was ill-judged and careless but not a resigning offence ... Let he who is without sin ...
Michael Hayes, Co Waterford
DEAR SIR:
Losing our European Commissioner for Trade Phil Hogan at any time would be a loss but losing him at such a crucial stage of Brexit and EU trade negotiations is a downright disaster. His contribution to agriculture, food and all economies across Europe, including opening our produce to new and far-flung markets, has transformed our industry.
Always equipped with a common touch, coupled with an amazing intellect and unique understanding of the challenges for farmers and small food businesses, he has served our industry and Ireland exceptionally well.
We are saddened to see him go and would like him to know that we as a community appreciate all that he has achieved on our behalf. We wish him and his team all the best for the future. We look forward to his return in the near future.
Joe O’Connor, Ballinfull, Co Sligo
DEAR SIR
The Irish Government has made a huge blunder in the way they handled the Phil Hogan Golfgate saga. Hogan has served Ireland well both as a Commissioner for Agriculture and as Commissioner for Trade. He has proven to be strong, capable, hardworking and is very well respected in Europe. It’s unfortunate that the Government has been hoodwinked by the mass media and knee-jerk reactors. They should have looked at the broader picture, that if Ireland loses the trade portfolio, it will be the farmers and the fishermen who will suffer the consequences. Once again the Government has put party politics ahead of the national interest.
Rita O’Brien BL, Carrig, Birr, Co Tipperary
DEAR SIR
Certain factors have unduly influenced what is, a disproportionately harsh outcome for Phil Hogan. The farming sector will pay for this economically for years to come.
Heightened public outcry following on from Golfgate allowed our Tánaiste and Taoiseach to think too narrowly on this. ‘COVID-correctness’ rules supreme presently and the Irish Government had to be seen to be operating a zero-tolerance policy when it came to public servants. Hence, resignations for some high-level Government figures ensued and Hogan’s ultimate standing down, despite that the latter is not one of their servants. Phil Hogan’s reputation in Brussels was one of a hard-working, hard-bargaining and capable commissioner. The Irish Government is now falling prey to the cancel culture emerging worldwide, ruling all and any rational economic considerations. Considerations which would most firmly be in Ireland’s interests.
Given Hogan’s grasp of the Common Agricultural Policy and his input in the Mercosur deal, his deep involvement in Brexit talks and his involvement in negotiations with the US and China, Ireland has lost a heavyweight tactician on an international stage. Our agricultural sector badly needs representation of Hogan’s prowess in Europe. Facing the economic prospects which we face right now, how can our Government have been so shortsighted? Beef farmers are once again vulnerable if a trade deal is not secured upon Britain’s exit and Hogan was the trade commissioner we needed to assuage and make good any potential economic fallout from this.
Interestingly, Irish MEP Clare Daly spoke during the week, explaining that since May several MEPs had been travelling over and back (from Ireland to Brussels) on the basis that a negative COVID-19 result meant that the quarantine rules post arrival did not apply to the MEPs. The high level of account to which our commissioner was held was not in furtherance of any evident national interest, certainly not any interest to which Irish farmers align themselves.
Marian Dalton, Kilcloney, Borris, Co Carlow
DEAR SIR
While none of us are in favour of breaking COVID-19 lockdown rules, I think the departure of two ministers for agriculture and a commissioner in such a short space of time has to be a huge blow to Irish farmers. It felt rather strange to note that the people most affected by all of this (the farmers) had little or no say in what the result was going to be. Indeed I don’t think farmers or farming was mentioned much at all. I was very surprised at the silence of farmers on the ground about the events. Let us hope we can now all move on without any more surprises. But that said only time will tell what damage has been done.
Joe Leonard, Cloonaghbawn, Co Sligo
DEAR SIR
The Irish Government, by engaging in a frenzied distraction fuelled by parochialism, has damaged the future economic prospects of this country. It is unbelievable that Ireland so recklessly jettisoned its respected and successful Commissioner for Trade. No other country in Europe would do such a thing. A successful Commissioner for Agriculture with achievements as diverse as the EU-Japan trade deal and soya bean deal with the US, Phil Hogan as Commissioner for Trade had just launched a review of EU trade policy, a policy that will play a major role in determining Ireland’s economic future. Phil Hogan had restored Ireland’s reputation in Europe. Hogan in Europe provided a clear antidote to Irish parochialism, a parochialism which ironically caused his forced resignation.
Francie Gorman, Ballinakill, Co Laois
DEAR SIR
Golfgate has understandably divided our nation. When strong leadership was needed our three leaders put self-preservation before the interests of our country. We have now lost a two-time commissioner who held one of the most influential posts in the world. Phil Hogan as Commissioner for Agriculture delivered on trade supports for beef farmers, protected our interests in Mercosur, drove retail legislation and framed the current CAP in a way that will benefit Ireland. Since moving to trade, he has built a reputation and earned respect that would have benefited us in Brexit, China and US trade negotiations. I sincerely hope we will hold on to the trade brief but fear the very poor decision not to support Phil Hogan will see it going elsewhere and cost us farmers and our country dearly.
Michael Drea, Kilcarrig,
Bagenalstown, Co Carlow
DEAR SIR
It is with a heavy heart I write. But first I would like to acknowledge your support for Phil Hogan. I am not an unbiased observer as I have known and admired Phil over the full period of his illustrious career.
I am first of all a proud Irishman who is shattered with the events of last week. I don’t think anyone would deny that Ireland through Phil Hogan had one of the most powerful and diplomatically sensitive posts in Europe, facing the Brexit negotiations and the trade issues with China and especially Trump’s America.
This is not only Hogan’s loss but every Irish citizen who wants Ireland to get through this nightmare of the pandemic. It is a rare ability to be able to forge strong friendships and still be globally recognised as Big Phil. A tough, no-nonsense negotiator with the intellect to go with it.
It saddens me all that as Irish people we are changing from the “céad míle fáilte” to not only put people down but to push them out, destroy careers and families. I know two wrongs never made a right, but where has justice and forgiveness gone?
What has happened to our country when we have a senior player in Europe who admitted he made a mistake and apologised, that our three party leaders for the first time were able to agree to hound Phil Hogan out of office! In whose interest – surely not Ireland’s?
It was akin to Brian Cody breaking Henry Shefflin’s hurl and sending him out to score the winning goal in the All-Ireland. As Stephen Collins put it in The Irish Times “appeasing the lynch mob has come at a high price“.
It was amazing the lack of support for Phil Hogan from the pillars of Irish business and, sadly for me as a proud honorary life member, the Irish Farmers Association.
I would have thought that my association would have been the first to support a farmer’s son from the heart of the very loyal IFA county, Kilkenny, who was due to play a pivotal role in trade negotiations that would directly affect every single member of the IFA.
When the IFA was recovering from its problems, it organised a very successful event on Brexit in Goffs and who was there to help restore its credibility, Phil Hogan as European Commissioner for Agriculture was the guest speaker.
Eaten bread is soon forgotten.
We must accept that nobody is indispensable’ but Ireland has lost a good man.
DEAR SIR
All Kerrymen do not believe in God but they all do believe in Phil Hogan. In Brexit negotiations, while playing a blinder with Michel Barnier when dealing with the British, he looked into the whites of their eyes and made sure Ireland’s interests would be protected.
Nobody in the other European countries can understand how Ireland could shoot themselves in the foot.
His achievements include:
Delivered over €1bn in additional farm supports in 2015 and 2016 to help Irish and European farmers post the Russian ban.Voluntary milk reduction scheme in 2016, hugely helpful to Ireland.Drove retail legislation to address supermarket dominance. Framed the CAP proposals to be most beneficial to Ireland. What has been done to him is a huge embarrassment all over the world.
Name & details with the editor
DEAR SIR:
We all know the script, but did any human being deserve to be treated like Mr Hogan was? After all, he is a human being with a soul and spirit and who has family. Yes he put his hands up, and apologised.
He was not the only government person at that now famous ball, he was the one who got the hammer blow and lost his position in Europe. No other TD fell – they may have been demoted but not evicted. The law must put in place structures to protect people from the scurrilous treatment meted out by our press and others who seek to destroy a human being. Mr Hogan has served the EU and Ireland well and we all have benefited from the endeavours of his hard work in the agricultural and trade portfolios. We must never forget that. He was a brilliant man in Europe.
I am a firm believer in the adage “let he who is without sin, cast the first stone”. We are in the midst of the dreadful COVID-19 virus and everyone is trying to play their part. Mr Hogan checked his hotel, he was COVID-19 free, our Taoiseach can travel in and out of our country and not have to isolate; well, COVID-19 does not recognise diplomatic immunity.
So perhaps we can all wish Mr Hogan well and a big thank you. A serious wrong was done to Mr Hogan.
Eliza Kennedy, Co Tipperary
DEAR SIR:
I am writing to you to raise concerns about the harsh techniques being used by the Irish media presently, at a time when the health and safety of the nation should be the focus. Look at recent government casualties, Barry Cowen, Dara Calleary and Phil Hogan. Each were forced out of their roles because of a news story being released, with the media then digging deeper and deeper until they had their lives and careers in shatters.
As individuals none of us would want this extensive scrutiny into our lives. God knows what the media would dig up and how they would twist and turn the truth to ruin us because, let’s be honest, that is what the media is doing.
I’d like to specifically focus on former Commissioner Phil Hogan. For a man who has given his life to politics since 1982, the Irish media merely focused on achieving their victory with little regard to the implications for Ireland in losing a Commissioner in a vital role at a vital time. Agriculture is vital to the survival and recovery of the Irish economy from an employment and export point of view, never more so than in the coming months. It was vital to have a very strong, experienced, knowledgeable voice such as what Phil Hogan offered at the table to ensure Ireland’s interests are heard and considered. Regardless of who replaces Phil Hogan, there is no one who can replace his experienced voice to the same extent at all.
Did the media ever stop and think about the possible detrimental effects their actions might have? I dread to think of the possible negative impact ahead for Ireland, especially on agriculture as a result of the recent media attack.
One has to wonder about the freedom of the media to run riot and bring about an individual’s downfall in this manner. Do they ever think about the consequences of their actions or is their only focus headlines?
The weeks and months ahead will be very interesting and if Brexit does not go well for Ireland, the media will have to shoulder the responsibility of the role they played in costing Ireland and Irish agriculture Phil Hogan’s voice at a crucial time.
Mairead Kennedy, a worried wife of a suckler farmer, Co Tipperary
DEAR SIR:
As I write this I despair – what have the Irish and Fine Gael done to their own man and at what cost? Phil Hogan, with almost 40 years of public service, has been treated appallingly. The worst of it was when our own three leaders disowned him and threw him under a bus.
At that point not only had they shown their complete shambles of a political marriage of convenience for what it is, but worse, they insulted Europe by putting Ursula von der Leyen in that situation. Does she not have enough going on without Ireland all but telling her what to do! And what of the precedent that would set – domestic politics dictating to the European Commission!
Big Phil for all his faults probably could have handled this situation better and I think he’d admit that himself. However, this was a witch hunt. Some wanted him gone and clearly weren’t going to stop until that happened. It is a terrible shame and I am embarrassed at how our people and leaders behaved – where was the leadership, they just jumped on the anti-establishment/burn the politicians bandwagon.
And now what? Ireland has lost a major influencer at the European table and as a nation serious credibility on how we treat our own.
At a time of such huge importance with unrest in the US, Brexit and now the international impact of COVID-19, Ireland and Europe have lost their key trade negotiator, the man who can represent Ireland and our farming families like no one else can. The British must be delighted as no doubt Big Phil was a serious obstacle to their dictations at the Brexit negotiations.
Joe Melody, Bunratty, Co Clare
DEAR SIR
It has become ever more apparent over the course of this pandemic that while we are all in this together, some are more exposed than others whether that be in health or financial terms. Phil Hogan was extremely injudicious in attending the golf outing in Clifden and nobody was defending him on that point. However where the divergence in opinion began was the media’s voracious appetite for heads to roll and resignations to ensue. My strong sense from talking to fellow farmers and business people especially was that although we were all annoyed at Golfgate, we are much more interested in seeing a trade deal that serves Ireland’s interests well coming out of Brexit. The media seemed to relish every minute of the story as it emerged.
It is easy to relish a juicy “scandal” when you are not the one who has staff to pay or other commitments that all businesses have to meet. This scandal has shown just how out of step the national media is with the reality of what is facing us. Phil Hogan was less than a year in the portfolio of trade but he has proven himself as a tough negotiator over a 40-year career in politics. He had already seen through reform to the CAP and the conclusion of the Mercosur trade deal. In a union of 27 states, a small country like Ireland could not afford to lose a heavy hitter like Hogan with no guarantee of Ireland retaining that portfolio. Perhaps if the media spoke to the people that create wealth in Ireland and support employment they might be able to carry the actual news rather than a narrative of selective outrage and tabloid-esque muck raking.
Bernie Carroll, Co Limerick
DEAR SIR
I am just writing to you to express my dissatisfaction at the way Commissioner Hogan was treated last week by our Government. He was so the right man for the job as Trade Commissioner at these crucial times of negotiations with Brexit and the US. I wish Phil Hogan the very best for the future and always found him a sincere gentleman to deal with.
Michael McManus, Spa Cottage Organic Farm, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim
DEAR SIR
The farming community was surprised and shocked to hear that Commissioner Phil Hogan decided to resign. Many of us know that it will be a major loss and will cause damage to the future economic prospects of this country. No other country in Europe would have expected or allowed this to happen. Phil Hogan demanded that countries such as Brazil replant substantial areas of rainforest which they have removed without sacrificing our EU beef production which was part of the Mercosur deal. Also, he has given assurances to Irish farmers and the food industry during the uncertainty of Brexit and safeguarded the direct payments to farmers and stated that no specific member state would suffer. Phil Hogan as European Commissioner has done amazing work for Ireland and I have no doubt his departure will be greatly felt in the coming years.
Michelle Mulherin, Former Mayo TD, senator and Seanad spokesperson for agriculture, food and the marine
DEAR SIR:
Phil Hogan, former European Commissioner for Trade, was hounded out of office in a frenzy that resembled a US McCarthy communist era-style witch hunt. He had a COVID-19-free test result but was expected to quarantine just for the sake of it. We heard Clare Daly MEP subsequently explain it is standard practice for MEPs returning from Brussels not to quarantine in their home country after a negative COVID-19 test. That sounds reasonable.
The resignation of Phil Hogan as European Commissioner for Trade is a body blow for the fortunes of rural Ireland.
I have seen first-hand his support for the development of Ireland West Airport Knock and so many other projects and investments in farming and rural areas. The country has made a big mistake in the unsentimental ‘dog eat dog’ world of trade.
It is so disappointing. Big Phil is gone now but to his credit and as testament to the size of the character of the man he has stated he will be assisting his successor. Green jersey all the way!
James Finn, Thurles, Co Tipperary, dairy farmer
DEAR SIR
As a Tipperary man it’s hard to come out in support of a Kilkenny man, particularly at this time of year, but this is no game – this is business. At the most sensitive time in modern Irish history, generations of Irish farmers will feel the effects of Phil Hogan’s departure as European Commissioner for Trade. Few politicians could stand before a packed hall of farmers to tell them that the CAP budget would be cut but Big Phil did it as Commissioner for Agriculture in Kilkenny at an IFA event. That same night he got my attention as he delivered a near perfect speech on the challenges we faced in securing the best possible outcome for Ireland post-Brexit. I sat there enthralled thinking if there was ever anyone I wanted to hide behind while taking on the British, it had to be Big Phil.
It’s undeniable that Golfgate should never have happened, but neither should we have been so quick to let the wagons circle. It’s with regret that I didn’t get more time to come out and support Phil Hogan, his loss is my loss, our loss, a loss for all Ireland.
Pat McGrath, Ardnaglass,
Ballymote, Co Sligo
DEAR SIR:
I would like to express my sadness and disappointment at the enforced resignation of Phil Hogan and my disappointment with Irish Government on their handling of the matter. Mr Hogan was an excellent Commissioner for Agriculture. He held the very important role of Commissioner for Trade. It’s a very sad day for Ireland.
Tim Mulcahy, Whitechurch, Co Cork.
DEAR SIR
It is a situation of utmost importance that an Irish Commissioner for Trade is at the head of negotiations between the EU and the UK with regard to defining future relations between us.
I say that because Ireland has the most to lose of all EU nations in terms of our beef and dairy industry with our biggest and oldest trading partner if it’s a bad deal. We need an Irish Commissioner to fill the shoes of Phil Hogan, whether it be in size 10s or in stilettos, to show from an Irish perspective what we would sacrifice in an unsuitable outcome. (for the sake of unity).
Adrian O’Sullivan, German Irish Council, Berlin
DEAR SIR
I am writing to you as president of the German Irish Council based in Berlin to express the dismay that I have heard from numerous German politicians since the witch hunt of Phil Hogan that has removed a brilliant negotiator and a respected heavy hitter that achieved so much for Europe. They and I are in despair we could ‘cut off our nose to spite our face’. What they did was ill-judged and careless but not a resigning offence ... Let he who is without sin ...
Michael Hayes, Co Waterford
DEAR SIR:
Losing our European Commissioner for Trade Phil Hogan at any time would be a loss but losing him at such a crucial stage of Brexit and EU trade negotiations is a downright disaster. His contribution to agriculture, food and all economies across Europe, including opening our produce to new and far-flung markets, has transformed our industry.
Always equipped with a common touch, coupled with an amazing intellect and unique understanding of the challenges for farmers and small food businesses, he has served our industry and Ireland exceptionally well.
We are saddened to see him go and would like him to know that we as a community appreciate all that he has achieved on our behalf. We wish him and his team all the best for the future. We look forward to his return in the near future.
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