Ireland emerges triumphant

The Irish presidency has achieved a lot in a short time in the European Union, not the least of which is the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. The European Parliament has also tackled the multi-year budget, as well as starting free trade negotiations with the US. Lithuania has big shoes to fill as it takes over the presidency.

Closer to home, the Irish dairy industry is gearing up for a 50 per cent increase in production in a fairly short time, and much effort is being put towards it on every front. I think it’s an impressive body of work for a country that received a bailout just a few years ago. So, three cheers for Ireland!