Accept proposals or face job losses - Tanaiste

Tanaiste Mary Harney is appealing to both sides in the sugar beet dispute to accept the Government proposals aimed at ending the long running row.

Mary Harney and agricultural Minister Joe Walsh were involved in 10 hours of talks with IFA and Irish Sugar yesterday.

The two sides are now considering an extra €1.50 per tonne, plus the appointment of an independent price analyst.

Ms Harney says with jobs at risk, both sides should steer away from entrenched positions.

Tanaiste Harney stated that : "There has to be some compromise and the Government intervened to resolve the very difficult situation that exists for growers, farmers and the company."

She says that she is particularly worried for the more than 500 workers whose livelihoods are in jeopardy.