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Opinion: RZLT as dangerous for Government as it is for farmers with zoned land
Pat O'Toole
With ministers openly disagreeing on whether the RZLT should be deferred- again- or not, is the government in danger?
17 August 2024 Opinion
Opinion: farmers need to embrace climate reality
The evidence that our climate is changing and that that change is in large part due to human activity is overwhelming. It's daunting, but we have to face the fear and do it anyway.
3 August 2024 Opinion
Opinion: potato growers are a special breed
A meeting of potato growers in Enniscorthy this week highlighted the many issues facing growers. As ever, price and weather were near the top of the list.
Opinion: glasshouse repairs are needed before I throw any stones
A clumsy and disappointing pair of factual errors have left me slow to join the pile-on Joe Biden is experiencing, but he is now an outside shot to retain the US presidency.
29 June 2024 Opinion
Opinion: Ryan is leaving, but Martin seems set to stay
In a week of announcements and departures, it seems the Tanaiste is going absolutely nowhere.
22 June 2024 Opinion
Opinion: when opportunity knocks, perhaps you should open the door
Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil seem to have dismissed the prospect of a summer election, but it might be their best chance of being returned to power.
17 June 2024 Opinion
How the European Commission, Parliament and Council work
Pat O'Toole takes a look at the three stools of Brussels - the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers.
2 June 2024 l2
The different parties of the European Parliament
The European Parliament has its own party groupings and an extensive committee structure. Here's a quick guide to its workings.
29 May 2024 l2
Opinion: following in TJ Maher's footsteps is a daunting challenge
The first direct elections to the European Parliament saw TJ Maher dominate the Munster poll, beginning a 15-year career for the former IFA president.
18 May 2024 Opinion
Opinion: takeaways from the IFA hustings
With a dozen contenders at each of the IFA's four European election hustings, Pat O'Toole was left with plenty to ponder.
11 May 2024 Opinion
Opinion: contractors will need understanding when the weather finally arrives
A week in the life of a tillage farmer/journalist that was as varied as the weather.
14 April 2024 Opinion
Opinion: inspections protocol is an important breakthrough
Reading the protocol for farm inspections agreed in Wexford has given Pat O'Toole heart - and flashbacks.
16 March 2024 Opinion