Fianna Fáil’s manifesto, launched yesterday, says the party would “decriminalize the possession of drugs for personal use”.

Speaking to reporters at the Irish Farm Center today, Mr Harris said he would not engage in a ‘tit for tat’ on policy as it is up to each party to present their views , but said there was a need to be “very careful” about the drug proposals.

He acknowledged that there would be political differences between all parties.

“I think when it comes to things like drugs and decriminalization, we have to be very careful on these topics. I would be very interested to know the views of the Irish College of General Practitioners on the proposed decriminalization of drugs,” he said.

He said more details were needed, including clarification on the type of drug, adding: “Is there a certain amount of drug you can smoke or take as part of this plan?” »

Mr Harris said the proposals seem “counterintuitive” when government public health initiatives are already underway regarding smoking and vaping.

“It seems counterintuitive to me that mixed messages are being sent about cannabis, because I think there are real health dangers associated with cannabis and there is, I think, a big difference between addiction and use occasional use of drugs.”

He said there should be a “compassionate, health-focused approach” to drug addiction and is “not sure” whether Irish society wants to “go as far as decriminalizing drug use”.

Mr Harris was speaking at the Irish Farm Centre, as he prepared to address the Irish Farmers’ Association’s campaign drives.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin spoke this morning and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald will do so later this afternoon.

On the issues facing farmers, Mr Harris said there was a need to reset relations and that he would approach all future discussions on government formation from a “pro-farming, pro-farming” perspective. family farming”, with a focus on succession and climate action.

He added that if farmers wish to strengthen Fine Gael’s hand in any discussion, he would “respectfully say to farmers that the best way to ensure they strengthen Fine Gael’s voice in the next government is to not vote for independent”.

He said the upcoming elections would be crucial for farmers as the next government will be in the driver’s seat during Ireland’s next presidency of the European Council and negotiations over the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).