Edition Bobbett2. Speeches and statements by Elizabeth F. Bobbett

1939 Letterkenny, Farmers’ Demonstration

Source: Strabane Chronicle, 01.07.1939

Miss Elizabeth F. Bobbett, Wicklow, national secretary of the federation, outlining the history of the organisation said their first great difficulty had been to break down the political bitterness that existed among farmers. That had now gone and if only for that the federation had justified its existence. They had absolutely banned politics from the federation, so much so that no TD, or Senator would be allowed to become an officer of the federation. He could be a branch member if he liked.

Remarking that twenty-one counties were now affiliated with the federation, Miss Bobbett declared : "Please God before long we will have twenty-six counties and then thirty-two" (Cheers). She added, that if it was necessary for them to down tools and cease production, they knew that they would have the men and women of Donegal behind them. Referring to the flax industry, she said they were not going to get their neighbours in the Six Counties to come in with them unless they showed them there was the chance of a better living. It was up to them to get back the flax industry.