Securing fair incomes for farmers will be the priority for Charlie McConalogue as Minister for Agriculture.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal within minutes of his appointment, the new minister said: “I’m absolutely honoured to be given this opportunity. As someone who comes from a family farm, I have a love of the land and a deep sense of place. I want to provide strong leadership for the sector.”

Describing the current period as “a challenging time” for the sector, he also believes there “are strong opportunities” for farmers.

I would have a core objective of making sure that farmers get a fair deal on incomes

“A good and fair CAP programme is a priority, while making sure we are fully prepared for the challenge we face in relation to Brexit,” he said. “We also must keep all who work in the agri-food sector safe from Covid-19.

“I would have a core objective of making sure that farmers get a fair deal on incomes. We must address climate change challenges in a way that can enhance farmers incomes.”

For McConalogue, it is third time lucky as he is finally appointed Minister for Agriculture. It’s a job he has seemed destined for and working towards for most of his life.

An economics, politics and history graduate from UCD, he initially worked for Fianna Fáil as a political organiser, before returning home to the family farm in Carndonagh, following the death of his father.

Elected to the Donegal county council in 2009, he has been a TD since 2011, and was opposition spokesperson for agriculture from 2016 to 2020. He quickly established himself in the role, winning a couple of Dáil votes against the Government on the need for a tillage crisis fund soon after his appointment, and again on the fodder crisis in 2018.

A part of the Fianna Fáil negotiating team on agriculture during talks for the programme for government, he was seen as a contender for the Minister for Agriculture’s job. Instead, he was appointed Minister of State at the Department of Justice, with particular responsibility for Law Reform. Following Barry Cowen’s resignation, he was again tipped, but Dara Calleary’s absence from cabinet weighed more heavily than McConalogue’s sectoral experience.

Aged 42, he becomes the youngest Minister of Agriculture since Ivan Yates, who was just 35 when he landed the job.

Taoiseach

Commenting on his appointment, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Minister McConalogue will face a number of “urgent challenges” which are central to securing the long term future of rural Ireland and the industries which are at its heart.

“We must prepare for whatever the post-Brexit trade situation brings.

“We must negotiate a final CAP deal which serves the interests of our communities and we must redouble efforts to achieve a sustainable and prosperous rural economy.

“I have no doubt that Deputy McConalogue will discharge this role with distinction and will form a highly effective team with Minister’s Hackett and Heydon,” he said.