Farmers are “nearly ashamed to say they are a farmer” in 2023, according to Independent TD for Roscommon-Galway, Michael Fitzmaurice.

Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice believes Ireland “needs a completely new type of party, from the bottom up” that listens to farmers and the rural community.

In an ‘On the Record’ interview with Agriland, the TD said he believes that a new political party could be a new force for rural communities.

“Politics in Ireland is now no longer one party. I can stay as an Independent if I want, but there is one game in town and that is the programme for government when the government is being put together and that’s basically the gospel for what will be done over a five-year period,” he said.