Mandelson still 'cold and clinical' after IFA protest

THE big protest by the IFA in Dublin last week against the scale of European Union concessions on agriculture in the world trade talks hasn't changed the rigid negotiating stance of Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson.

Forty-eight hours after 5,000 farmers took part in the Dublin city centre protest and called for Mr Mandelson's removal from office because they claimed he had exceeded his negotiating mandate, IFA president John Dillon met with the EU's chief negotiator in Brussels and came away unimpressed.

Mr Dillon said he conveyed to Mr Mandelson the anger of Irish farmers over his proposals and pointed out to him that these would devastate Ireland's family farm structure, with incomes falling by 36%.