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Opinion: following in TJ Maher's footsteps is a daunting challenge
Pat O'Toole
The first direct elections to the European Parliament saw TJ Maher dominate the Munster poll, beginning a 15-year career for the former IFA president.
11 May 2024 Opinion
Opinion: takeaways from the IFA hustings
With a dozen contenders at each of the IFA's four European election hustings, Pat O'Toole was left with plenty to ponder.
14 April 2024 Opinion
Opinion: contractors will need understanding when the weather finally arrives
A week in the life of a tillage farmer/journalist that was as varied as the weather.
Opinion: inspections protocol is an important breakthrough
Reading the protocol for farm inspections agreed in Wexford has given Pat O'Toole heart - and flashbacks.
16 March 2024 Opinion
Opinion: the birds are singing a different tune to some politicians
While some would have hedge-cutting contractors believe there should be an extension for hedge trimming into March and August, the birds are whistling a different message for Pat O'Toole.
9 March 2024 Opinion
Opinion: four days can be a long time in the world of farming red tape
The new requirement to report all slurry exports within four days followed within four days of a ministerial commitment to minimise red tape.
2 March 2024 Opinion
Opinion: farmers need the truth, but they also need hope
The presentations by Elaine McGoff and Eddie Burgess were interesting in themselves. Taken together, they present a good range of opinion on exactly where farming and water quality intersect.
24 February 2024 Opinion
Opinion: the irresistible force versus the immovable object
While the European Commission is an all-powerful machine at the heart of the EU, used to telling everyone what to do, farmers are now telling them to take a step back.
18 February 2024 Opinion
Opinion: farmers' fellowship of the ring-roads sends clear message
While the slogan of Thursday's IFA tractor demonstration was 'enough is enough', it was the Boomtown Rats, not Donna Summer and Barbra Streisand in Pat O'Toole's head.
3 February 2024 Opinion
Opinion: farmers need to be careful what they wish for
Geopolitical chaos may undermine environmental regulations, but I don't think it's a near future we should want to happen.
27 January 2024 Opinion
Opinion: farmers, like the faithful, face the fear of the unknown
Watching The Traitors, a penny has dropped, writes Pat O'Toole. We exist in a constant state of uncertainty when we can't see all the pieces on the board.
20 January 2024 Opinion
Opinion: quick guide to the European Parliament
The European Parliament has its own party groupings and an extensive committee structure. Here's a quick guide to its workings.
17 January 2024 Opinion