Q&A with Ciaran Mullooly, MEP - pushing the rural agenda in Europe

Question: What was your biggest learning experience?

Ciaran Mullooly: It's been a huge change. For 35 years as a journalist, I was the one asking the questions. Now I have to form opinions, negotiate legislation and deliver results. It's a different challenge, but one I'm really enjoying.

Q: Critics say you enjoy your media appearances, but they don't translate into legislative achievements...

CM: I suppose because I've been a broadcaster and communicator, the speeches are the easy part for me and to get the message across. But remember, a lot of our job as MEPs is creating awareness. Then it's down to business: committees, budgets and legislation.

Right now we're shaping the next seven-year EU budget, which will determine funding for communities, businesses and rural development across Ireland. That's where I believe I can make the biggest difference.

Q: You recently became a full member of the Agricultural and Rural Development Committee. What have you been working on?

CM: I'm shadow rapporteur on legislation that will require much clearer country-of-origin labelling for organic food. You go into a shop, you get a chicken sandwich on the back of it it says, made with EU and non-EU chicken. What does that mean? Is it Brazilian food? Is it safe? There's a lack of clarity.

So I'm doing an organics bill, organic food for starters, which will say clearly the country of origin. Once it goes through in Europe, we've got to get it introduced at a member state level and then get it transferred to Irish food legislation.

Q: In general, do you think the EU has benefited Irish farmers?

CM: It has. We export 80% of our meat. So, we rely on the French market. We rely on the German market. We're trading alongside tough opposition, but we're doing well. Look at Kerrygold - a really high-profile product, which is not cheap. Is it £8 or £10 for a block of butter now? But it's competing. I would never say to get out of Europe.

But what we want is fair play in Europe. I think the Irish have nothing but benefitted particularly in agriculture from the EU.

Q: You always emphasised that you'd be the independent voice of rural Ireland. Now you're in Renew with your Fianna Fáil colleagues in the same group. Is that sometimes a conflict of interest?

CM: It's a fair question. I'm an independent MEP. I'm a member of Independent Ireland and I'm a member of Renew, but I still make decisions. I vote against Renew on a regular basis and I have voted against Independent Ireland policy on a few issues as well since I started.

So when Brendan Smith or Niamh Smyth go into the Dáil, they are whipped by their party. I am not whipped in the European Parliament. I can vote one way or the other. I joined the group because it allows me to influence legislation and negotiate amendments.

If I sat outside a political group, I'd have far less speaking time or opportunity to shape policy.

Q: Would you say you're working together more with people rather than bashing governments or parties because the dynamic is different to get your votes for your legislation?

CM: You hit a very good point. Most people don't understand that. Because of the structure of the Parliament with 720 MEPs, 27 Member States, there's a much greater emphasis to try and get something done and try and achieve consensus at an early stage.

Q: Ring-fencing LEADER funding is an issue you've raised. Why is it so important?

CM: Leader has transformed communities across Ireland. I've seen first-hand how relatively small investments create businesses, jobs and local confidence. As negotiations begin on the next EU budget, protecting Leader funding has to be a priority.

I support maintaining at least 2.5% of the agricultural budget for Leader, but the Irish Government also needs to provide the matching national funding. If we say rural Ireland matters, then we have to back that up financially. The matching element is as important as the European funding. That's why I've called on Micheál Martin this week to lead by example in the presidency and declare Leader is priority.

Q: In that context you've spoken about Europe's new 'Right to Stay' agenda. What does that mean?

CM: Brussels has plenty of jargon, but the principle is straightforward. People should be able to build a life where they were born if they choose to. That means supporting businesses that create local jobs, investing in childcare, schools, transport and rural services, and making sure young people don't have to leave simply because there are no opportunities.

For me, the 'Right to Stay' only succeeds if it delivers real investment that helps communities grow rather than decline.

Q: Other EU countries provide services for communities to highlight grants and support with filling out grant applications. Is this something Ireland could look into?

CM: Our regional assemblies are only administering funds, a big mistake. They don't have enough authority to shape economic growth themselves. One of the things I want to see coming back in the EU Just Transition Process is county tourism activators like they used to have.

They came out, met you on the square, you said what you wanted to do and they held your hand for a month, you got the form filled up.

We need that in every parish. European funding, a local authority could do a bit of it.

Leader were doing a bit, but I'd be afraid that, if their funding is cut, they won't be able to do as much.

Q: Finally, has working alongside people from across Europe changed your perspective and understanding?

CM: Yes it has. Some of my best friends in Parliament are German, Italian, and French, and they have totally different backgrounds to me.

But what I like about it is that we share things in terms of community, and I can understand their reasoning on things that are important. You learn very quickly that compromise isn't a weakness - it's how Europe gets things done.