If Michael Ring TD wants to support rural Ireland he should vote in favour of Aontús Bill to ban below cost sale of beef - Lawless
Aontú representative for Mayo, Paul Lawless has said he was 'impressed' by Deputy Michael Ring's revealing interview with Midwest Radio.
Mr Lawless said:
"Despite our political difference I do believe Michael Ring has done many good things for Mayo in the past, and as I've always said I'd rather to see Mayo having a minister, from any party, rather than having none, so I am disappointed to see Deputy Ring miss out just as I was sorry to see Deputy Calleary be overlooked. However, I do think the Deputy has some serious reflection to do on his own role in the new government. That said I am heartened to hear Deputy Ring say, during the interview, that he won't 'stand idly by' if the new government attempts to bring in policies which will have a negative effect on rural Ireland. He pledged to 'monitor' any anti-rural legislation that they may attempt to bring through".
Mr Lawless continued: "That sentiment is all well and good, but what we need now is a commitment from Deputy Ring that he will vote against such legislation. A government only survives if the parties in power toe the line and vote with the government on all issues. If Deputy Ring votes against the government then he will either cause the government to fall or face punishment, maybe even expulsion from the party. Talking to the media is one thing, but when it comes to votes in favour of regional and rural Ireland, thats more important. It will be very interesting to see what button the Deputy presses".
"A clear opportunity for him to prove himself true to his word is when Aontú reintroduce the beef pricing bill to the Dáil. Our Equitable Beef Pricing Bill aims to ensure that farmers will be given, by law, at least a break even price for their produce. It is a very moderate position that is concerned with doing what is right by the Irish farming community and rural Ireland in general. My party leader Peadar Tóibín TD intends on introducing that bill as soon as possible, and I look forward to seeing Michael Ring keep true to his word by voting in favour of that legislation. Time will tell", concluded Mr Lawless.
