Paul Moynihan is the new Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) President. Paul, who runs a family pub in rural Wicklow, takes over from outgoing President Padraic McGann, from Monivea, Co Galway.

Paul was appointed President at the VFI AGM, which took place against the backdrop of the ongoing closure of the country’s pubs. Speaking to delegates gathered online, the new President said his only role in the short-term is to get pubs reopened.

He said: “I will do all in my power to fight for pubs to open together and be treated fairly. Pubs should be allowed open at the same time and with the same guidelines as all other hospitality outlets.”

Paul is the third generation of his family to run Moynihan’s pub in Donard, Co Wicklow, his grandfather having purchased the premises in the 1940s.