Return to talks, Harney asks farmers

Tanaiste Mary Harney has appealed to farming groups to re-enter talks on a new partnership agreement.

She said farmers had more to gain from talks than by going it alone.

Tanaiste Harney did not directly answer whether the Taoiseach would be intervening in discussions. Farming groups in recent days have called on Mr Ahern to come on board the talks.

Farmers are still unhappy with what has been described as the final draft of the partnership agreement. The script of the document was presented to social and union parties yesterday evening.

An official from the Taoiseach's Department confirmed meetings would still take place between farming groups and representatives from the Department of Taoiseach, Agriculture and Finance later this week.