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File photo of young Irish farmers and Macra na Feirme members Macra na Feirme

Young farmers add their support for gay marriage ahead of referendum

If you’re surprised by that, there are a few other things you should know…

MOST IRISH FARMERS between the ages of 17 and 35 are in favour of the introduction of same-sex marriage, a new poll has revealed.

A survey conducted by Macra na Feirme, the national organisation of young farmers, found that 52% of those polled support same-sex marriage.

Some 23.1% are against it, and 24.9% are undecided on the question, which will be decided in a referendum next Spring.

macranafeirme

Speaking to TheJournal.ie, Macra President Kieran O’Dowd said he wasn’t “particularly surprised” by the findings of the survey.

I’m more heartened to see young farmers following the same trends as Irish society in general.
Part of the explanation for this is that, where older farmers traditionally didn’t often have the opportunity to move away from home, or go to college and meet people from many different backgrounds, young farmers are doing that.
Another major factor is the influence of pop culture. That permeates all levels of Irish society, and young farmers are no exception.

Macra teamed up last year with GLEN - the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network – to promote mental health among rural youth, in particular LGBT people.

This survey marks the first time the organisation has asked its members this question, and will no doubt go some way toward smashing the stereotype of conservative and insular farmers.

But there are others, O’Dowd explains. The most prevalent, is that young farmers become young farmers by doing nothing.

There is this idea that they “fall into” farming. That young farmers inherit the farm, or they’re left to take it over because they don’t go away to college.
That’s not true. People are consciously choosing farming as a career, and young farmers are driving innovation and adaptation, and will be crucial to the future of agriculture in Ireland.

sob Irish international rugby player and farmer Seán O'Brien chats with Macra na Feirme members Macra na Feirme Macra na Feirme

O’Dowd is also keen to break another stereotype:

Farmers, traditionally, are not regarded as particularly environmentally conscious. That’s something that this generation is changing.
What people don’t understand is that it’s actually in farmers’ best interest to make sure land and habitats are managed in a sustainable way, and it’s actually farmers who are best placed to do that.

Read: ‘There’s much more to Macra than farming’>

Thousands expected to turn out for same-sex marriage rally in Dublin>

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51 Comments
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    Mute tax slave
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    Dec 10th 2013, 9:13 AM

    Of course thy will . Talk shit for a few weeks . And then Bury it . And we Joe soap gets screwed again

    65
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    Mute Alan Scott
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    Dec 11th 2013, 10:57 AM

    Yes the madness goes on there’s no jail waiting for any of these. Accountability will go out the window white collar crime at its best but a non tv licence payer will go to jail Oh what a country.

    1
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    Mute Daniel Wall
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    Dec 10th 2013, 9:29 AM

    Accountability!!!! Your having a laugh

    42
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    Mute gumbridge
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    Dec 10th 2013, 10:14 AM

    Nope, he’s as serious as he is deluded.

    17
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    Mute Derek Richardson
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    Dec 10th 2013, 9:23 AM

    As if they already did not now it was already happening they all drink from the same source

    41
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    Mute tax slave
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    Dec 10th 2013, 9:20 AM

    This man’s Sr name should be MAD . . Howling mad . If he thinks we believe any thing Wil come of this . . In future keep the money in your pocket no more teddy bears or pins for me Fu@k them greedy ba@@ards

    34
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    Mute Bobbie Byrne
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    Dec 10th 2013, 9:58 AM

    Howlin: Pleeeeeeeeease attend the PAC meeting….
    Conlon: No
    Howlin: ah go on pleeeeeeeeease..
    Conlon: No
    Howlin: Pleeeeease….I’ll be your best friend?
    Conlon: No
    Howlin: Ah you’re mean!

    24
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    Mute Rúairí O’ Sullivan
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    Dec 10th 2013, 9:24 AM

    Power if Compellability? Is that the same as insisting or even asking really really really nicely?

    He wouldn’t have refused unless advised to by an extremely well paid solicitor.

    If he has no legal obligation to explain his actions…..and he hasn’t actually broken any laws, why would he appear?

    14
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    Mute Rúairí O’ Sullivan
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    Dec 10th 2013, 9:25 AM

    Also……if this was a legal matter, we wouldn’t be allowed to comment!

    Another of the “elite” that will get off scot free

    25
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    Mute Mary Kavanagh
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    Dec 10th 2013, 11:21 AM

    They’ll get to the bottom of it and then what will be done? Precisely nothing!

    11
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    Mute Patricia Ann McCarthy Moore
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    Dec 10th 2013, 11:32 AM

    There would be very little need for these charities if low income families and individuals were given the basic essentials of life. I am referring to the exorbitant cost of electricity, and the soon to be introduced water charges. Ireland has a surplus supply of electricity and plans are afoot to export electricity to the U.K. Why should low income families have to use their childrens allowance to pay for those utilities. In addition the USC supplement must be abolished in order to assist working people. I know this post will elicit howls of rage from those who believe that the Banksters and their Shareholders of Ireland Inc are more deserving of the taxpayers largesse than low income families and individuals who are finding it hard to pay the bills.
    Howl all you want to.
    This is where I stand.
    1 .Free electricity and water for low income families and individuals.
    2.Abolition of USC from workers pay.

    9
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    Mute Dave Caplice
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    Dec 10th 2013, 1:14 PM

    I’ll take a few boxes of that free electricity stuff please…

    4
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    Mute Andrea McElroy
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    Dec 10th 2013, 10:49 AM

    an oireachtas committee cant hold individuals accountable they can only investigate… then report those findings back to the oireacthas where its left in their hands. should be interesting what happens… probably nothing though.

    8
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    Mute John Kavanagh
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    Dec 10th 2013, 11:04 AM

    Howlin said that the PAC is “robust” and “they normally get to the bottom of things” adding that they will “pursue this until they get the full facts”……and then they will dial 999……..ya,dream on!!!!!

    8
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    Mute Barney r
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    Dec 10th 2013, 9:22 AM

    I am sure normal things will have nothing to do with what the public needs to know. With regards to the Mr. Conlons position how can you bolt so fast as to advise on investigating other people.

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    Mute John Meade
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    Dec 10th 2013, 1:24 PM

    Minister for reform, dont make me laugh, i have not seen any reform, the rich get away with bloody murder while the government goes after the little people all the time, “they normally get to the bottom of things” yeah sure, and how much will it cost and how long will it take. by the way Howlin, whats your job ?, is it not to ensure this sort of shite doesnt happen, or to deflect responsibility when someone gets caught, be gone labour and take your turncoats with you.

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    Mute Sean Collins
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    Dec 10th 2013, 11:21 AM

    Minister Howlin will you have a word with Del Boy rabbitte and tell him to stop making an ejit of himself, he was trying to be funny about Colm Keavney joining FF when he jumped from 3 parties himself along With Gilmore.

    5
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