I hear while outlining his sales pitch for the role at the Ploughing, Sinn Féin agriculture spokesperson Matt Carthy said he’d like to be Minister for Agriculture by the time next year’s event rolls around.

The former MEP said Government and the current Minister Charlie McConalogue’s “days are numbered” as they are “losing confidence by the day”.

However, he caveated his eyes on the prize with the necessity for an election and Sinn Féin’s accession to power.