[caption id="attachment_6256" align="alignleft" width="300"]
(l-r) Liberal Democrats candidate Gwyn Williams,Conservative candidate Huw Williams, FUW Flintshire County Chairman Tim Faire, Labour candidate Hannah Blythyn and Plaid Cymru candidate Paul Rawlinson[/caption]
Members of the Farmers’ Union of Wales Flintshire branch have quizzed Welsh Assembly election candidates at their recent hustings on Monday, March 14.
The husting, which was held at Caerwys memorial institute, was attended by Labour candidate Hannah Blythyn, Plaid Cymru candidate Paul Rawlinson, Conservative candidate Huw Williams and Liberal Democrats candidate Gwyn Williams.
A UKIP representative was invited but did not attend.
FUW Denbigh and Flint County Executive Officer Mari Dafydd Jones said: “ We had a very successful event and our members discussed many topics such as the EU referendum, Young Farmers, bovine TB and rural housing.
“It was interesting to hear that all election candidates made the case for remaining part of the European Union, a notion strongly supported by the FUW.
“Members also asked the candidates for their opinion on the bovine TB vaccination programme and only the Labour party were in favour of the continuation of a vaccination programme.
“The rest of the candidates believed this to be an incorrect decision and said they would opt for a cull.”
An excellent question for the panel was provided by 16 year old FUW member Deio Clwyd who asked the panel's opinion on whether they thought the voting age should be changed to 16.
“Deio, like many of his friends, would like to vote and we were pleased to hear that all parties agreed that the age should be lowered to 16.
“If we look at the excellent work the young farmers clubs do with public speaking competitions it becomes clear that our young people are smart and skilled.
“They can drive a tractor legally on the road so they should be able to vote,” added Mrs Jones.