EU appointment of bird watcher angers farmers

FURTHER clashes between rural Fianna Fáil TDs and the Greens in Government are likely after a member of BirdWatchIreland was chosen to replace a farmers’ group to represent Ireland on an EU policy committee.

Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith was accused of “shafting farmers” with the move. But the decision was made by the Department of the Taoiseach without consulting Mr Smith, who was not involved in deciding the composition of the committee, according to his spokesperson.

Farmers fear their lost representation will significantly reduce Ireland’s power in forthcoming negotiations on milk quotas, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Single Farm Payment scheme, which will be crucial to the future of the industry here.