Fine Gael Senator Garret Ahearn has said that a Sinn Féin government would leave Irish farmers neglected and in a vulnerable position.

The Tipperary senator said that Sinn Féin continuously avoids developing concrete policies when it comes to farmers and sits on the sidelines instead. It demonstrated this exact approach over the summer during the sectoral emissions agreements, he added.

An emissions reduction target of 25% relative to 2018's levels was announced for the agricultural sector in July following lengthy talks between government parties.

However, in the run up to the announcement, Sinn Féin were vague about their stance on what percentage ceiling the sector should be faced with.

The party was criticised by Fine Gael for refusing to state its position both on the wider debate and on a potential cut in the national herd. Deputy Alan Farrell accused Sinn Féin of "trying to be all things to all people", and said that "sitting on the fence is not a credible position".

Senator Ahearn said that while Sinn Féin took that approach, Fine Gael was working to ensure that farmers got to keep most of what they earn. He said:

"As a party, we introduced the Earned Income Tax Credit and increased it to equal the PAYE tax credit.

He also said that the party has invested significantly in infrastructure that enables people to make more sustainable choices, including renewable energy and cheaper public transport.

Despite these comments, Sinn Féin has said that it recognises the pressure that farmers are under and stated that it is ready to address that in government.

Speaking before the National Ploughing Championships last week, the party's general secretary Mick O'Brien said that Sinn Féin "recognises the importance of production agriculture to the Irish economy".

"Our plan is to win an outright majority at the next election. In excess of 80 party candidates have already been identified, and we will be adding to this number," he concluded.