The UK electorate’s decision to leave the European Union was borne out of a failure of politics to deliver important messages in a clear fashion.

Speaking at the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) annual rural seminar in Portlaoise last week, MEP for Ireland east Mairead McGuinness said politicians need to act with more responsibility when it comes to arguing crucial issues.

“Brexit is a failure of politics. We need to say what we are for and not just against,” McGuiness said.

McGuinness added that her hopes of a positive deal for Ireland are fading, with both sides seemingly moving on to trade discussions before a suitable and working agreement has been found on the Irish border situation.

“I am more despondent today (on Brexit deal) than I was a few months ago… Not only do Britain want to have their cake and eat it but they want to eat our cake also,” she said.

As new communication tools develop which help keep farmers informed, McGuinness said that these tools are also getting in the way of farmers carrying out their day-to-day activities.

“There is a challenge for farmers to change how they lobby in face of increased pressure from social media-driven campaigns,” McGuinness said, referencing how the move to ban glyphosate has gathered momentum.

She said the movement to ban glyphosate has been driven through social media and she feel the credence and credibility the movement has received could spell danger for the sector.

“I have a deep concern that glyphosate is only the start of something bigger,” she told the seminar.

Other speakers at the SCSI annual rural conference included economist Jim Power, regulatory valuer Paddy Darmody and Irish Farmers Journal editor Justin McCarthy.