Farmer says politicians will 'devastate' the west of Ireland by covering it with forests

My week... Gerry Loftus

Gerry Loftus prepares a brew at his home in Lahardane, Co Mayo. Photo: John O'Grady

Ken Whelan

Don't mention forestry, the GLAS scheme or the possibility of Ireland meeting its EU air pollution targets to Gerry Loftus - it is a bit like mentioning the war to the 57-year-old sheep and suckler farmer from Lahardane in Co Mayo, who also works off farm as a financial adviser with Acorn Insurance in Galway.