There has been no honeymoon for our new Government as it grappled with Covid-19 related emergencies and some very tricky unforeseen issues on appointments, education and foreign travel. From the midst of this maelstrom of activity, Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection Heather Humphreys must have been happy that our request for an interview was focused on the calmer subject of agricultural shows.

In chatting, she quickly made mention of her own local shows in the Cavan/Monaghan area such as Tydavnet, Arva, Mohill, Castleblaney and Virginia as very pleasant memories. I knew then I was talking to a friend of these traditional annual gatherings.

Importance

“Shows are important to me and there is no greater advocate of rural Ireland than myself,” Minister Humphreys said. “My husband showed cattle at them. Supporting sustainable rural development is a major part of my new brief and the rural agricultural show is really at the heart of the communities.

“Shows are a celebration of all that is good about rural Ireland and they are a great boost for the local economy. It’s so important that we continue to support them.”

I asked if the grant money set aside for shows by Michael Ring during the last Government’s term that was not used during 2020 due to show cancellations could still be available for 2021.

“That grant was a huge injection to the shows. The people that run them are all volunteers and they do not always make money. I want to assure all of the agricultural shows that the €600,000 provided for grants in 2020 will still be available in 2021. That money is held in trust by the Irish Shows Association and they will distribute it,” Minister Humphreys said.

Policy for rural development

As to support for agricultural shows going forward, the Minister said: “I will certainly be doing all I can to support them. I know the department here has a very good working relationship with the Irish Shows Association and I want to build on that partnership. My priority in the coming months is to develop and publish a new five-year policy for rural development – the whole of Government supporting the economic, social and cultural development of rural Ireland. It will be forward looking. I do not agree with this rural-urban divide.

“To have strong cities we need strong rural – an inclusive, sustainable Ireland for the future.”