Why has ‘vegan’ become a political insult among some people? 

US Senate candidate in Texas James Talarico has been attacked by his Republican opponents as ‘Tofu Talarico’ - even though the Democrat insists that he is a meat eater.

In Colorado’s 8th District, which is home to a large agricultural sector, Democratic nominee Manny Rutinel has also been accused of “pushing veganism” and “hurling disgusting insults at the agricultural community”. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, Happy Food at Home owner Ciara Brennan said she was slightly taken aback to hear that people are insulting politicians on the basis of what food they eat. 

“What fascinated me was that being vegan and being attacked for being vegan became a weakness,” she said. 

“I'm a vegan myself and I have compassion -  so, when does compassion become a weakness?”

Fruit on display in a Tesco supermarket. Picture by: Doug Houghton / Alamy Stock Photo

Ms Brennan, who owns a vegan market stall in Limerick, added that she thinks of veganism simply about being a “choice of what you put on your plate”. 

“I don't think it's anything to be attacked about; I'm a vegan and I run a vegan food business,” she said. 

“It's about fantastic food and making a really, really good choice.”

Ms Brennan continued that her market stall is “full of vibrant colours and choices and deliciousness”. 

“I cannot stress, the choice you have when you eat vegetables is huge - it's huge,” he said. 

“So, I think there is a misconception there that if you choose to eat tofu or you choose to eat a fabulous, vibrant vegetable.

“I don't put vegan in the label of my food, because I want everybody to eat it, I don't want to go just for a certain demographic. 

“There are women that come to my store that buy sausage rolls and still their husbands do not know that it's vegan.” 

Cows and sheep on a farm in September 2008. Picture by: Clearviewimages RF / Alamy Stock Photo

While most of the insults towards vegan politicians are emanating from the States, Ms Brennan was hesitant to speculate if they could become part of Irish political discourse as well. 

“The Irish industry, as far as cattle is concerned, a lot of it is exported,” she said. 

“So, I don't want to get into the horrible debate about what happens to our meat in Ireland, because I really just want to come from a place of the choice of vegetables and supporting the farmers in Ireland. 

“I work with them all the time and I buy from the farmers all the time.”

Main image: Cows in Westmeath. Picture by: Alamy.com.