I am pleased that Sinn Féin have made the decision to support Ian Marshall and wish him well in Friday’s election. It is absolutely logical that we should support him in this election. Dealing with the potential impact of Brexit continues to be a priority for us as a Party. Ian has shown that he shares our concerns and strives to work for solutions to address those concerns right across the island.
I am particularly interested in the expertise he will bring to the Seanad gained from his time as a farmer, as President of Ulster Farmers Union and currently at the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University Belfast. The Agri-Food industry is hugely important to me as a Senator from Mayo and Rural Ireland.
I believe a strong independent anti-Brexit unionist perspective in the Seanad will add a new and positive dimension to Seanad debates and the wider Oireachtas.
Having met Ian, I hope we get the opportunity to work with him on many issues that affect communities, businesses and families North and South. Developing a vibrant sustainable rural economy takes team work, vision, commitment and courage. We must value multi-dimensional perspectives on all issues, I have always found it to lead to better outcomes for everyone.
