He said that nowhere is this more glaringly demonstrated than in the fact that our region is number 218 out of 234 when it comes to infrastructure while Ireland South is rated number two.
"That is an appalling indictment on the individuals who represented our region in the European Parliament. One Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan attempted to make life even more difficult for farmers by opposing the Nitrates Derogation. The CAP is coming up for renegotiation and heaven knows what will happen if MEPs from Midlands-North West don’t have the back of the farming community.
"Farming families deserve better. What they don’t deserve is to be sold short by candidates who don’t know the subject matter, as demonstrated by Ciaran Mullooly who said we’d lost our Nitrates Derogation after mixing us up with Denmark.
"I will resist further erosion of the CAP budget and instead argue with conviction for an extension on our derogation," said Mr Blaney.
"I’m the only one with hands-on farming experience. I will champion the small farmer and a sector so vital to our national economic wellbeing. Immigration must also be addressed. Adding thousands of migrants to towns is crippling public services.
"Our health services are under unprecedented pressure. People can’t get appointments. Waiting lists are growing. The most vulnerable in our society are being neglected. It has to stop."
He called on An Taoiseach to set up a Taskforce which would include the Departments of Health and Education to identify the counties and towns that are really finding a squeeze on services and to either deliver the money promised by Leo Varadkar a year ago or decide that these towns can take no more.
"Off Connemara, we have limitless potential for harnessing offshore wind. Eamon Ryan needs to get the message loud and clear that it’s imperative he includes us in frameworks and plans for wind energy. A further €12 million is now required to complete the development of Rosaveal Harbour which would make it fit for purpose to develop all offshore renewables.
"Investment in infrastructure such as a Galway outer by-pass, the N59 via Clifden, and faster rail service and the development of the Western Rail Corridor have to be the priority if we’re to address disadvantage and create new opportunities.
"You give me your backing, I won’t let you down," he concluded.
