Offaly councillors call for resolution to IFA’s dispute with Bord Bia
By Rebekah O'Reilly
At their monthly meeting this week, Offaly's county councillors called for a resolution in the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) dispute with Bord Bia.
The issue was raised by councillor Eddie Fitzpatrick at the February meeting of the local authority, and was seconded by Sinn Fein councillor Aoife Masterson.
Cllr Fitzpatrick said he had met with Offaly IFA's new chairperson, Joe Daly, and IFA Regional Executive for Laois, Offaly and Westmeath, Willie Dolan, outside the council chamber in advance of the meeting.
Larry Murrin, the chairperson of Bord Bia, has come under significant pressure to step down in recent weeks after it emerged that his company - Dawn Farms - has been importing Brazilian beef.
"For farmers, everything has to be compliant and recorded. (Mr Murrin) not being compliant, it doesn't add up," Cllr Fitzpatrick told the meeting.
"In relation to public health, if we have food that isn't compliant, I think it is important that people know what they're eating, people are looking at the packaging now to see where it is coming from.
"The IFA feel very strongly about this. I hope there will be some [resolution]. He needs to be replaced with someone who will be credible in that position.”
Cllr Hugh Egan said both Bord Bia and the IFA "have their backs to the walls" at present.
"The two sides are deeply entrenched, it's of no benefit to anyone. I'm calling for mediation or facilitation, to find some sort of middle ground. Things can be solved by dialogue."
Cllr Neil Feighery agreed that a third-party negotiator was needed to resolve the matter.
"We have to try to understand the frustration of the community. We need a negotiator, it's not doing any good to the food sector, which is a cornerstone here in Offaly. The only way to find a resolution is through discussion.”
Cllr Aoife Masterson said she was "baffled" by the fact that the Government voted in support of Larry Murrins remaining as chair of Bord Bia.
"If we are serious about this, the time for negotiation is gone. We need to call for the removal of Larry Murrin, it is an insult to the farming community. It undermines Bord Bia as an organisation.
"It's quite clear what the IFA want, they want Mr Murrin's resignation. If we want to honour the IFA, we need to stop talking out of both sides of our mouths, and we need to listen to the IFA."
The councillors agreed that the dispute would have an impact on Offaly, where a large majority of income stems from farming.
It was agreed at the meeting to send a letter to the Minister of Agriculture, Martin Heydon, to show the councillors' support for the IFA, and to call for the resignation of Mr Murrin.