Cowen tribute to farm chief

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen has described the contribution of Michael Berkery as general secretary of the Irish Farmers Association as outstanding.

Mr Cowen was addressing the IFA annual general meeting dinner in Dublin, the last to be attended by Mr Berkery as general secretary before his retirement.

The Taoiseach said the Tipperary man, who joined the IFA in 1978, has been one of the most influential figures in farming, both at national and European level.