'Political environment in 2025 was challenging'

Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith.

As a country we have a great tendency to comment on the weather. Climate change is affecting us. Last January/February huge damage and hardship was caused by Storm Eowyn but thankfully we had a splendid summer. It suited so well our farming and tourism sectors, the economy and the well-being of the people.

There were plenty of good moments watching different club teams both ladies and men’s in our county across different sports. Among the many great national sporting achievements are Mullahoran’s Paul Brady, six-time World Champion, with a record-breaking 11th All-Ireland handball title, Knockbride Ladies claim All Ireland Intermediate Club title and Kingscourt’s Joe Dillon was crowned National Men’s Singles Champion.

We need to make much better progress in addressing housing, improved provision of services for children with additional needs and also easing the cost of living pressures. As a region, we are heavily dependent on the agri-food sector, which has big challenges ahead. A decision is imminent in relation to the Mercosur Trade Deal. I have repeatedly stated in Dáil Éireann the need to protect our agri-food sector and its high standards of food production.

There is no doubt the political environment in 2025 has been challenging here in Ireland and globally. The instability around the world, most notably in the Ukraine and Middle East, has been deeply unsettling and tragic to watch unfold.

There have also been severe economic pressures including energy prices, cost-of-living concerns globally affecting every household.

We have seen the rise of misinformation, disinformation and dangerous extremism fuelled by unregulated social media platforms.

For young people we need to ensure a co-ordinated and robust response to the malign influence of social media.

Ireland’s holding of the European Presidency in the latter six months of 2026 will provide important opportunities to influence the European and indeed global agenda. This is a chance to influence agricultural policies to protect our farmers, and to explore how EU supports across all sectors can be made more accessible and less bureaucratic.

This Presidency will be an opportunity to showcase Ireland as a destination for investment and innovation.

As a Fianna Fáil representative I look forward to our Party Centenary Year. In those 100 years, our country has seen great change - socially, politically and economically. Fianna Fáil has been central to these developments and our party’s work today needs to continue to focus relentlessly on building a Fairer Ireland for All.