Edition Bobbett2. Speeches and statements by Elizabeth F. Bobbett

1939 Mullingar, Meeting of the Irish Farmers’ Federation

Source: Offaly Independent, 12.08.1939

Miss 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 were turned down, and he gave them no hearing. They approached Dr. Ryan in the friendliest manner, but would not shake hands with him when leaving the room. It must be admitted, she continued, that Mr. 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 fortnight 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. She concluded by invoking everyone to join the federation.

About the digital edition

This volume of Elizabeth F. Bobbett’s writings and speeches is divided into four parts. The first section comprises 321 texts written by her. The second part contains 150 speeches and statements by Bobbett, most of which were published in newspapers. Part 3 contains 727 texts written about Bobbett by contemporaries of her or addressed to her. Finally, Part 4 is a collection of 50 source texts that are important for understanding Elizabeth F. Bobbett’s activism. Parts 3 and 4 will be made available online in March 2027.

Suggested citation

Elizabeth Bobbett: Speech in Mullingar, Meeting of the Irish Farmers’ Federation, 1939, in: Peter Moser (ed.), In her own Words. The Writings of Elizabeth F. Bobbett (1898-1971). Farmer, Feminist and Public Figure, Bern, 2026, https://www.histoirerurale.ch/editions/pages/bobbett/1939-08-12-310.html, consulted on .

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