Ministerial praise heaped on Portlaoise-based Laois TD

Ireland's new Minister for Agriculture has paid a big compliment to a Laois TD for his backing for farmers.

Minister Martin Heydon, praised Willie Aird in Portlaoise at the AGM of the Irish Graingrowers Association for making his presence felt on farming issues in the early days of his career in the Dáil

Minister Heydon said the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party group, which he once chaired, meets every Wednesday. The meeting was attended by Tánaiste Simon Harris, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohue and all the Fine Gael Ministers.

“There is no greater advocate for farming in the Fine Gael,” Minister Heydon said of Dep Aird at the meeting attended by the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

The Minister, who is a tillage and beef farmer and was promoted to Cabinet, following the General Election added that the Portlaoise TD should be put on the Dáil committee that covers farming issues. 

“There is very strong representation around agriculture in Fine Gael and I hope Dep Aird will be appointed to the Dáil Agriculture Committee where he can continue to be that voice in Dáil Éireann,” said the South Kildare TD.

Minister Heydon made the remarks in Portlaoise at the AGM which was also attended by farmers from right around Ireland. MORE BELOW PICTURE

Willie Aird celebrates his election to the Dáil in 2024. Pic: Alf Harvey.

Dep Aird who won a seat in the Dáil at the first attempt in the the 2024 poll after a long career in local politics.

The Dáil Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine Committee shadows the work of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Committees can invite submissions, hold hearings with stakeholders including Ministers, and draft and publish reports. 

Dep Aird's constituency colleagues Brian Stanley and Seán Fleming have previously chaired the powerful Dáil Committee on Public Accounts.