‘The party’s policy is crystal clear’ – Micheál Martin forced to clarify position on nitrates derogation after Barry Andrews contradiction

Fianna Fáil’s candidate in Dublin Barry Andrews seemed to contradict the official party position on the nitrates derogation, saying he doesn’t “agree” with keeping it.

He said on last night’s RTÉ Prime Time debate: “I don’t agree with continuing with the nitrates derogation.”

Mr Andrews said climate “is the issue of the century” and said it will “stay with us for decades”.

However, his party colleague Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue has said the loss of the derogation is not a scenario he would even consider.

The Tánaiste issued a statement on X, formerly Twitter, saying the party is “totally committed” to keeping the derogation.

“The Fianna Fáil party is absolutely committed to applying for and securing a nitrates derogation at European level and the party’s policy is crystal clear in this regard,” he said.

He said the derogation is “crucial” to national farming and said the party is “absolutely committed” to seeing water quality improved and the derogation kept.

His comments come after a number of other Fianna Fáil European candidates have come out today and clarified their own positions.

New, tougher nitrate limits will restrict the amount of fertiliser that can be spread and the number of cows dairy farmers can keep on their farms unless they can obtain more land.

Farmers had been using a nitrates derogation which allows higher stocking rates on their farms, but this was dependent on Ireland improving water quality. However, this improvement has not happened.

Mr Andrews’ own party colleague and fellow European candidate Barry Cowen said he is “fully committed” to keeping the derogation.

The Midlands North West candidate tweeted: “I am fully committed to maintaining the nitrates derogation as has been be ongoing stated position and that of my party”.

Ireland South European hopeful Billy Kelleher also weighed in on the debate, saying he supports Minister McConalogue’s position and supports fully keeping the derogation.

“For the avoidance of any doubt on the nitrates derogation, my position and the position of Fianna Fáil Minister McConalogue is crystal clear,” he said.

“We 100pc support retention of the derogation and will fight at all levels to protect it.”

The conflicting positions within the party over such a contentious issue have been weaponised by Fine Gael, with its Ireland South candidate John Mullins saying Fianna Fáil’s position has “clearly changed”.

“My party and my leader are absolute in support of the nitrate derogation retention,” he said in a video posted online.

“That is important for the viability for family farms and in particular, dairy farms right across Ireland South constituency.”

He said Mr Andrews “threw a curveball” with his comment about the nitrates derogation.