Edition Bobbett2. Speeches and statements by Elizabeth F. Bobbett

1949 Rathdrum, Meeting of the Irish Farmers’ Federation

Source: Wicklow People, 17.12.1949

Miss Elizabeth F. Bobbett, Secretary, in her report said that one of the things which they had accomplished successfully during the year was to secure that the price for spring lambs was kept open until the 25th June. They had been continually agitating also over other prices, oats, pigs, etc. In their interview with Mr. Joseph Carrigan, the American representative said that they were the first group of farmers that had mentioned the necessity of credit. This he considered was vital to Irish agriculture and its development. Mr. Carrigan was only two months in Ireland when the National Executive of the Federation contacted him and had its interview with him. They had noticed that there was a great deal of talk about getting some of the Marshall Aid to help on the industrial arm of the country, but there had been no talk of giving any of this help to agriculture, and their members considered that not only had agriculture a right to seek assistance, but as their primary industry, the one on which all depended and from which all were paid was of primary importance.

Discussing the proposed social security scheme, she said their members felt this was going to be the last straw on the farmer’s back. He who would have to pay for all would get absolutely no benefit, and such an imposition in these circumstances was sure to mean a decrease in employment on the land, in view of being one further demand upon him, and to decreased output from the land.

The National Executive Committee’s report, as submitted to the meeting, called for the opposition of all farmer deputies in the Dail, irrespective of party, to the Social Security Bill.

In the course of the discussion which ensued, the Secretary commented on the drop in the price of pigs which had not brought any corresponding decrease in the retail prices of products. They could have seen from answers in the Dail that the Minister, Mr. Daniel Morrissey, was not aware apparently of the increase in the price of bacon, and Miss Bobbett wondered who it was kept house now for the Minister.

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The Secretary said that whether they were members or not of the Federation they all knew where she lived and what the Federation could do for them in their needs. The Chairman said that it could be taken that all wanted the Federation to continue strong and vigorous as ever before and that they were all prepared to carry on. Mr. Eugene J. Byrne paid a warm compliment to their Secretary and said that without Miss Bobbett there would in reality be no Federation.

Miss Bobbett said that she was prepared to continue to act as their Secretary. By pulling their weight, they had definitely made progress all along the line, but they must always remember – they would never get credit for the things which they achieved. At the same time, they could credit themselves on the fact that there were things which they had accomplished. Regarding the County Convention for the election of officers, etc., at the Chairman’s suggestion it was decided to hold this meeting in Clash, and the meeting fixed the convention for that venue on Tuesday, 14th February next.

Miss Bobbett informed the members of the forthcoming visit of the farmers from Devonshire. So pleased had these been with their Irish visits that they were coming to Ireland for the third time, after last year’s tour in Scotland. It was a great compliment to Irish farmers and the Irish people generally. The visitors would arrive in Dublin for the Spring Show at Ballsbridge and remain in Dublin for the first three days, 2 to 4th May. It was felt that the County Wicklow Federation, considering their very pleasant trip to Devonshire last year, should invite them down and be their hosts for a day in County Wicklow. Accordingly she had asked them to keep a day free to visit County Wicklow and see some of their farms. She had been informed that they would gladly do so, that they had arranged to retain the Thursday of their visit free for this purpose. Regarding transport, she said that the Devonshire Union had booked their own transport for the entire visit, which would include a trip all through the Midlands, via Galway-Ennis-Limerick, and back by Clonsast to Dublin, and they had told her they were looking forward eagerly to their third visit to Ireland.