Minister files Garda complaint after protest damage as row over Larry Murrin and governance review intensifies
Kildare South TD and Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has accused the leadership of the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) of misleading members over its dispute with Bord Bia.
In a statement, the minister said it was “disappointing” that farmers were being denied key details and claimed the IFA was “whipping up” concerns about business dealings that are “explainable and ultimately in Irish farmers’ best interests”.
The dispute arose after it emerged that Larry Murrin, chair of Bord Bia, leads a company that has imported Brazilian beef for use in some of its products.
Farming groups argue this represents a conflict of interest, given Bord Bia’s role promoting Irish food, and have called on him to step aside.
IFA members have protested outside Bord Bia’s offices for over a month, with five staging a sit-in inside the building.
On Saturday as reported by Kfm News around 2,000 people attended a protest outside Minister Heydon’s constituency office in Newbridge, where signage was damaged.
Minister Heydon described the IFA’s approach as “reckless” and said it contributed to the damage.
According to the Irish Independent he has filed a complaint with Gardaí.
The IFA said it is aware two signs were damaged and has offered to replace them.
Meanwhile, Bord Bia’s board is meeting today to discuss a government proposal for an independent governance review.
The IFA has called for the review to examine board membership rules and quality assurance schemes, and has urged Mr Murrin to step aside during the process.
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