CRATLOE’s Eddie Punch (II) who had previously declared as an Independent candidate for the European elections in Ireland South will now fly under the banner of Independent Ireland.
Punch stepped down as General secretary of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) in March to focus on his election campaign, he had been involved with the ICSA for twenty five years. He is married with one son and three daughters in Cratloe where he runs a suckler and beef farm.
There are 23 declared candidates in Ireland South bidding to win the five seats on offer. He will be competing alongside two Clare men, sitting TD, Michael McNamara (IND) from Scariff and architect Michael Leahy (IFP) who resides in Corofin.
Eddie had initially been an Independent candidate but declared for Independent Ireland when submitting his nomination papers. “Joining Independent Ireland is a crucial step in strengthening our collective voice in Brussels, ensuring our diverse needs are addressed effectively,” he stated.
He added, “We want to provide a voice for communities which have been forgotten about by decision makers both in Dublin and in Brussels. Many of the people I have spoken to since I began campaigning feel let down by the political status quo”.
Founders of Independent Ireland, Michael Collins TD (II), Richard O’Donoghue TD (II) and Michael Fitzmaurice (II) all welcomed the addition of Eddie to the party. “His extensive experience and profound understanding of both local and European issues are exactly what Ireland South needs for effective representation in the European Parliament,” party leader Collins said.
Limerick County TD O’Donoghue remarked, “Eddie’s candidacy is a significant addition to our party’s ticket. His advocacy and commitment to regional development align perfectly with our objectives”.
Deputy Fitzmaurice, a long-time acquaintance of the Cratloe man commented, “Eddie has always been a champion for the rural community, from farmers and fishermen to local shop-keepers and teachers. His candidacy ensures a comprehensive representation for everyone in Ireland South, weaving the entire social fabric into the heart of our European engagement”.
Currently a Director on the Board of Sixmilebridge Co-operative Mart, Eddie is also a Member of Council at the Irish Management Institute. Apart from working for ICSA and represented farmers in Brussels for a quarter of a century, the fifty five year old also worked in Botswana as a consultant to farm organisations. He has previously served as a member of the National Economic and Social Council.
He has also been a regular speaker for the past few years at the Global Food Forum in Brussels and Milan, organised by Farm Europe. Prior to ICSA, he worked in rural development with Laois LEADER and West Limerick Resources. He was educated at Ard Scoil Ris secondary school in Limerick and is an honours graduate In European Studies (Economics and Politics) from the University of Limerick (UL) where he also served as postgraduate students’ union president, and acted as a tutorial assistant.
In recent years, he has obtained professional diplomas in Strategy and Innovation and Business Finance from the IMI (Irish Management Institute) and is now in the final stages of completing a masters in business via the Advanced Strategic Performance Programme (UCC/IMI).
