Irish Farmers' Association president Tom Parlon may be stepping down compulsorily from his post at the end of his current term in December but he has evidently not tired of life in the public spotlight. And, after an extended spell representing that tough and determined lobby, Ireland's farmers, where else now for Mr Parlon than the national political stage.

In an interview this week, he says he has told party representatives who have approached him to hold off until the December deadline has passed. "I know every TD in the country and I have no illusions about how tough the job is, but I wouldn't dismiss it," he said.

And he points to his native Offaly's low disposable income and unemployment problems. "That's a challenge for any future TD," he added.