Colm Markey, MEP

A farmer and businessman by background, Mr Markey will take a seat on the Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development as the vital negotiations on a new Common Agricultural Policy continue at EU level.  He will also serve as a Member on the Transport and Tourism Committee and a substitute Member of the Fisheries Committee.

” I am particularly mindful that my appointment comes at a crucial time for Europe and for Ireland.  The ongoing talks on a future relationship between the UK and EU will have serious implications on the Midlands North-West constituency, particularly for those in border counties and the agri-food industry.

As a former national president of Macra Na Feirme, I was responsible for negotiating on behalf of 8,000 members at both Government and European level and will build on this experience to ensure the needs of farmers in Ireland are met.

The fundamental challenges facing businesses, large and small, across the island cannot be overstated. Any business moving goods to, from, or through Great Britain will be subject to a range of SPS checks, customs measures, and other burdensome requirements.  The need for Irish businesses, especially in the food and drink sector, to take every necessary precaution ahead of December 31^st cannot be clearer. It is imperative that businesses consult government advisory services to mitigate the cost of future regulatory requirements when trading with the United Kingdom.  It is also a time of global crisis and the EU is working to support Member States dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic and economic fallout.  I am deeply committed to ensuring I represent my constituents and Ireland’s best interests on these and other vital issues as an MEP.”

Colm Markey runs the family farm in Togher, County Louth. He was first elected to Louth County Council in 2009 as a councillor for the Mid-Louth area. Since then, he has secured €750,000 in funding for local recreation and community facilities within the county. Colm is also the current chairman of the Louth Leader partnership which has helped to establish over 200 sole traders and small businesses in the last 12 months. As a former national president of Macra Na Feirme (2005-2007) he was responsible for negotiating on behalf of 8,000 members at both Government and European level. Colm is a believer in politics which brings accountability, minimises waste and inefficiency and seeks to bring a high level of debate to the public. Outside of politics, Colm is a season ticket holder with Dundalk FC, a member of Naomh Fionnbarra GAA club and a keen follower of the Louth senior GAA team.

Colm was elected as Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council for 2017-18.