'Heroes' - Laois president of IFA praises Bord Bia occupiers

Farmers who occupied the Bord Bia HQ are 'heroes' according to Laois man and IFA President Francie Gorman.

The Ballinakill farmer was speaking in the wake of the conclusion of a nearly month-long protest in Dublin over the continued chairmanship of Larry Murrin on the board.

Board members agreed to an independent review, but Larry Murrin will step aside from chairing the meetings. Normal board meetings will be chaired by another board member during the governance review.

Mr Gorman said that a full governance review of Bord Bia announced at a special board meeting, which he attended, would examine issues that have come to light during the controversy.

In a statement, the IFA said it had put a proposal to the board ten days ago that identified seven strands that should be examined and that the Chair would step aside while these are being considered. The association said this was the basis of  the outcome.

As a result, the IFA agreed to stand down their protest until the review is complete. Five farmers had occupied the building for 28 days with a rolling 24-hour protest outside for 36 days.

“These farmers are heroes. They have sacrificed so much for their fellow farmers as have those who have kept a 24-hour rolling protest going outside,” said Mr Gorman. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

PICTURED: Laois IFA members were among the many farmers to protest at Martin Heydon's constituency office in Newbridge over the Bord Bia chairman. 

The Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon was critical of IFA during the row but welcomed the agreement reached at a board meeting called to discuss the impasse.

READ ALSO: Laois ploughers spring into life - PICTURES

“I am pleased that my proposal for an independent governance review of the board of Bord Bia has been accepted and that the ongoing protest has been stood down. Larry Murrin will remain as chair of Bord Bia and as agreed by the board and the chair in the interests of moving forward, during the period of the review scheduled board meetings will be facilitated by another current board member. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Pictured: Laois man and IFA President was joined by other Laois farmers in calling for Mr Murrin to step down.

“Bord Bia are also progressing a new Farmers Forum which will provide an opportunity for renewed engagement between farmers and Bord Bia. It is now time to come together to support the essential work of Bord Bia, which delivers important benefits for farmers and the agri-food sector as a whole,” he said.

READ ALSO: Tractor roar in Laois Offaly town for unique Lions Club fundraiser - PICTURES

While there was no Laois farmer in Bord Bia, Laois IFA members were among the many farmers who protested on a 24 hour rota outside the building.