Yes result puts onus on government to negotiate strongly at EU level

Farm lobby groups haev welcomed the outcome of the Referendum on the Fiscal Stability Treaty in favour of a Yes vote but say that the Government must now secure a good deal for Irish farmers. ICSA president Gabriel Gilmartin has welcomed the outcome saying, "It is the better outcome in terms of stability, but it also means that the Government has no hiding place when it comes to negotiating at EU level. "The Yes result gives a mandate to the Government but it also puts the onus on them to get out and negotiate from a position of strength on all of the EU issues including the resolution of debt problems, a plan for growth and the need to sort out the EU budget for the 2014-2020 period." "The Government is now in a much stronger position when it comes to issues such as CAP reform as well. It is clear that the farming community came through very strongly in favour of Yes and this must be kept in mind when the EU budget and CAP reform are being negotiated." Meanwhile IFA President John Bryan thanked farm families and rural communities throughout the country, who turned out in large numbers, to support for a Yes vote. "From the earliest point in the campaign, IFA identified the importance of securing a positive result for a stable euro, exports, jobs and growth. These are vital, not just for the farming and food sector, but for the country as a whole. I am pleased that rural Ireland also recognised this as one element in our pursuit of economic recovery." John Bryan said, "The outcome is important in securing goodwill and influence in Europe, and Irish farmers will expect the Government to capitalise on this and take a strong negotiating stance in the CAP talks. A positive outcome, which underpins agricultural production and the growth targets in Food Harvest 2020, is essential to realise the potential of the sector." Concluding, John Bryan said the Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney has a number of issues on his desk, which are of huge importance to farm families. "As the campaign has now come to a close, the Minister must devote his full attention to resolving these issues."