THE ONLY option to open credit lines for the people of Ireland is the establishment of a new financial institution, incoming president of Macra na Feirme Michael Gowing has said.
Delivering his inaugural address in Wicklow at the weekend, the new leader of the rural youth organisation attacked the banks and politicians for their failure to deliver.
“Our elected representatives have promised much in recent times, but delivered little other than increasing the burden on those that are most vulnerable in society,” he said.
“How much longer can we in Macra let this continue . . . the Government is continuously penalising us and supporting the big players.”
He added: “The Government . . . have poured vast amounts . . . into the financial institutions on the promise of securing credit lines . . . To date, these credit lines remain closed to us, the ordinary people of Ireland.
“This can no longer be tolerated. There is a genuine need for credit lines and a new financial institution now appears to be the only option left.
“Such an institution would have to deliver for the rural people of Ireland – particularly us the younger generation, the innocent bystanders to the current mess.”
Mr Gowing, who is a substantial farmer from outside Portlaoise, Co Laois, took over in Macra last weekend from the outgoing president, Cork-based Catherine Buckley.