Edition Bobbett1. Texts by Elizabeth F. Bobbett: 1.1.3. Correspondence, Letters to newspapers

1941 Elizabeth Bobbett: Letter to the Westmeath Examiner, 12.04.1941

Political Philantrophy

To the Editor “Westmeath Examiner”. Dear Sir. I see Mr. Michael J. Kennedy, TD has replied under above heading to a letter of mine sent to your paper last week. My letter bore the plain truth and facts about the farmers’ position, and if your readers wish for further proof of the efforts of the members of the Irish Farmers’ Federation to increase food production they have them in brief statement which I have officially sent to your paper this week. At the very outbreak of the European War the Irish Farmers’ Federation offered co-operation to the Government but it was the Government that refused to co-operate with the farmers. I can’t see how Mr. Kennedy can accuse me of thwarting the Government’s efforts. I do not even know what Party Mr. Kennedy belongs nor do I care. But I do know that I cannot get even the same amount of root seeds that I got last year - though I would need twice the amount. I also know the farmers have now to pay 70/- to 78/- per barrel for Spring seed wheat, many of them having had to sell their wheat at 35/- and 37/6 last harvest, and many have not got the cash to buy seeds now. It was to bring these facts before the public that I wrote my letter last week, and I regret that Mr. Kennedy should take it as an attack on his patriotism. He may rest assured that I have no ambitions to relieve him of his comfortable seat in the Dail. Yours faithfully, Elizabeth F. Bobbett, Springfield, Wicklow.