Debate contribution: Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs: No-confidence Motion
Debate contribution by Mr Andrew Muir on .
- MLA
- Mr Andrew Muir
- Party at the time
- Alliance Party
- Date
- 20 October 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs: No-confidence Motion
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5798552
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I meet farmers regularly. I had a constructive meeting with the Ulster Farmers' Union last week and spoke to its president yesterday. I will continue to engage with people. Perhaps we need to distinguish between perception and reality: many farmers have approached me to state that they support the respectful way in which I conduct myself. I appreciate the many people who have reached out to condemn the threats and abuse directed not just at me but at officials in the Department. The president of the Ulster Farmers' Union was clear in his condemnation of those threats and of homophobia, misogyny and sectarianism. We all need to unite against all that and say that it is wrong. I will continue to do my job on the basis of the values of fairness, respect and courage that were instilled in me by my parents and grandparents and have guided me throughout my life. That is what we need to do.
159 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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