MEP KELLY PRAISES TRADITIONAL VALUES
Issued : Sunday 28 February, 2010
Areas : Munster, Tipperary
ICA members from across Tipperary came to Toomevara to hear MEP Alan Kelly stress the need to preserve traditional values.
The Munster MEP visited the North Tipperary Irish Countrywomen’s Association Federation meeting on Monday, February 22nd.
2010 sees the ICA celebrate its centenary with many events planned throughout the year.
A large group of ICA members were in attendance to hear MEP Kelly outline the range of issues that affect rural life in Tipperary today.
He said “Women are the backbone of rural society and their contribution to the farming community must be recognised.
We must protect the principles that organisations such as the ICA promote - the essence of community spirit and traditional values.
The future of agriculture in Ireland will affect the DNA of rural Ireland and not just those who are directly involved in working the land.”
MEP Kelly sits on the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee in Europe and has raised the issue of pensions for farmer’s wives.
The Labour MEP is a strong advocate of connectivity for rural areas and emphasised the importance of broadband to both business development and education.
He said “We must work to ensure rural areas are not left behind when it comes to broadband. Rural business must be allowed to thrive and not be forced to move to urban centres.”
MEP Kelly was welcomed by North Tipperary ICA Federation President Heather Evans from the Roscrea Guild.
ICA Guilds from all across North Tipperary including Moyne and Templemore attended the meeting.
