Edition Bobbett2. Speeches and statements by Elizabeth F. Bobbett

1939 Mullingar, Meeting of the Irish Farmers’ Federation

Source: Westmeath Examiner, 05.08.1939

Miss Elizabeth Bobbett, Wicklow, during the course of her address, said that a deputation of the Irish Farmers’ Federation had recently waited on the Minister for Agriculture, Dr. James Ryan. They put before him five points, each of which was turned down and he gave them no hearing. They had approached him (Dr. Ryan) in the friendliest manner, but he would not shake hands with them when leaving the room. It must be admitted, she continued, that Mr. Sean Lemass has done a great deal for industry, and Mr. Sean T. O’Kelly has done likewise. Dr. Ryan had not done his corner. He was allowing the agricultural industry to die. As was said at a meeting in Enniscorthy a fort-night ago “That if he did not do his duty, he should get out.” The Farmers’ Federation was a trade union. It was so much non-political that they would not allow a TD or a Senator to be a member of the Executive, or to hold any office in the organisation. It was said that they were a political organisation and were called this and that. Such was by no means the case. It had taken them five years to get the Federation going at its present strength. Miss Bobbett continuing, said that two counties were now organised and were getting on very well. If a general strike should happen to be called, she hoped that they would be loyal and would strike. It was up to the farmers to organise in every parish in each county. The Banking Commission, she said, sat and never took evidence from the Banks to see the farmers’ debts. Miss Bobbett concluded by invoking everyone to join the Federation.