Farmers take protest against tariff cuts to Brussels

A group of angry Irish farmers have travelled to Brussels today to protest against what they fear will be major cuts in EU food tariffs.

The farmers claim EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson is set to slash tariffs as part of upcoming world trade negotiations.

The Irish Cattle and Sheepfarmers Association has arranged a protest outside a meeting of EU agriculture ministers today to highlight its anger about the move.

The association has claimed thousands of farmers will lose their livelihoods as a result of Mr Mandelson's action and want the EU to adopt a tougher stance at next month's WTO talks in Hong Kong.