ICMSA leader again rejects proposal

THE leader of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association has told Taoiseach Bertie Ahern he will not recommend the draft social partnership document to his national council.

Mr Ahern urged the farming organisations last weekend to reconsider their position and see the merit of remaining within the framework of social partnership to advance their objectives.

But ICMSA president Pat O’Rourke said that the Government should respond to the proposals from the farm lobby rather than asking it to reconsider a document already rejected as inadequate.

Mr O’Rourke warned that there will be no agreement unless there are specific commitments given by the Government to improve farmers’ incomes.

The IFA also said it cannot recommend acceptance of the deal to members in its present form . John Dillon, president, said he wants the Government to outline specific proposals for farmers.

The issue is building up around the country with larger than usual farmer attendances at meetings.

North Cork IFA county chairman Sean O’Leary criticised Government TDs for their failure to stand up for their farming constituents in the recent Dáil debate on agriculture.

Mr O’Leary said it was now high time that Government TDs stopped talking out of both sides of their mouth and let their farmer constituents clearly see where they stand.