9 May 2023
By Bryan McCarthy
Bryan@TheCork.ie
Fine Gael Cork Senator Tim Lombard has been appointed Fine Gael Spokesperson on Agriculture, Food, Forestry, Fisheries and the Marine.
The Minane Bridge/Carrigaline based Senator – who is also a Farmer – has been the party’s Seanad Spokesperson on Agriculture, Food, Forestry, Fisheries and the Marine since 2020, now he has a chance to expand his horizon beyond merely the Upper House. He is also Leas-Chathaoirleach of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food, Forestry, and the Marine.
In addition, Senator Lombard is a member of the Fine Gael National Agriculture, Food and Rural Development forum.
Senator Lombard said: “It is an honour to be appointed as the Fine Gael Spokesperson on Agriculture, Food, Forestry, Fisheries and Marine. I know first-hand the challenges of running a family farm alongside my wife and four children and I bring a practical knowledge of the sector to the role, both from actively farming myself and from a political perspective. We need a strong voice for agriculture and rural communities, and I look forward to working with my Fine Gael colleagues to represent the best interests of this group. There’s no doubt that it is a challenging time for the agricultural community, but there is also a unique opportunity to adapt and build confidence in the sector.”
Fine Gael’s Minister in the Department of Agriculture Martin Heydon TD said: “I look forward to continuing to work with Tim across a range of agricultural issues. I know how passionate he is about this sector and he will bring a wealth of experience to the role of Fine Gael spokesperson on agriculture in the Oireachtas. This will further strengthen the very strong team we have in place to represent the interests of farmers and rural Ireland.”
Taoiseach and President of Fine Gael, Leo Varadkar TD said: “As our party spokesperson on Agriculture, Food, Forestry, Fisheries and the Marine, Tim always speaks up for the sector he knows well. As a farmer, Tim understands that the Agri-food industry remains an integral part of our economy and society. The sector continues to be a significant provider of employment and income in every part of the country and particularly within the rural economy. I know Tim will continue to highlight the challenges the sector is facing but he will also suggest solutions.”