Crucial partnership decision for Dillon and IFA Council

NATIONAL Partnership will top the agenda at next week’s IFA National Council – one of the most crucial yet for President, John Dillon, since he took up office at the beginning of 2002.

The Council must decide on remaining outside the partnership and weakening its relationships with the Government, or joining up and alienating a major section of the IFA membership.

On-going farming difficulties, low prices and cost increases for farmers stemming from the December, 2002 Budget seem to have entrenched farmer opposition to any partnership involvement.