Born in 1959. Ireland East. Agricultural Economist and award winning journalist. Commentator, radio producer and television presenter. Former agriculture editor of Irish Independant. Extensive knowledge of global agriculture systems. Author of European Parliament Report on the CAP and Global Food Security. Served two terms as Chairperson of the Guild of Agricultural journalists. Chairperson of the Consumer Liaison Panel set up by the Minister for Agriculture and Food. MEP since 2004.