Govt accused of pushing farmers out of partnership talks
The president of Irish Farmers Association has accused the Government of forcing farmers to leave the social partnership process.
Speaking in Strokestown, Co Roscommon, John Dillon said: "Farmers have been pushed out of partnership and the Government has turned its back on the farming community."
Farmers in Strokestown are picketing a meeting being attended by Environment Minister Martin Cullen today as part of a series of five protests aimed at Government ministers.
The Irish Farmers Association recently walked out of the social partnership talks, accusing the Government of failing to propose measures to deal with falling farm incomes.
