Farmers’ group to support Lisbon yes vote

THE ruling body of the Irish Farmers’ Association unanimously decided at a meeting in Dublin yesterday to support a yes vote in the Lisbon Referendum.

It said a vote in favour of the treaty would be in the best interests of agriculture, farm families and the recovery of the economy.

The fact that a powerful lobby such as the IFA has come out strongly in favour of a Yes vote at such an early stage in the campaign will be welcomed by the Government. It will also come as a relief to those already campaigning for a decisive vote in favour of Lisbon in the October poll.

Some fears had arisen that the IFA might link funding cuts in farm schemes and sweeping changes proposed for the agri sector in the McCarthy Report with the referendum.

But it made it clear beforehand that the Lisbon vote was distinct from the Government spending curbs on farm schemes and the proposals relating to the industry in the McCarthy document.

IFA president Padraig Walshe said after yesterday’s meeting of its 53 member executive council that there will be no let-up, however, in its opposition to “Government attacks on farming”.

“Every council member was acutely aware of the income difficulties across all sectors and the massive anger over Government cutbacks and the Bord Snip report.

“However, council members made a clear distinction between our battle against Government cutbacks and our best interests for the future in Europe.

“The council was unanimous that the Lisbon Referendum should not be used for a protest vote against the Government,” he said.

Mr Walshe said it is in farmers’ best interests that Ireland remains at the heart of Europe influencing important decisions, which include the review of Common Agricultural Policy payments after 2013, and does not become a reluctant bystander, on the fringe of events.

“A yes vote will best position the IFA to defend Irish agriculture’s interests and meet future challenges in Europe,” he said.

While calling for a strong yes vote, Mr Walshe said the IFA would continue to fight Government cutbacks, which targeted agriculture and hit farm incomes.

“IFA is encouraging farm families and rural Ireland to vote yes and we will be mounting an active campaign in the run-up to the October vote,” he said.