Cowen assures IFA he will veto poor WTO deal

The leadership of the Irish Farmer's Association (IFA) is expected to recommend a Yes vote in the upcoming Lisbon Treaty referendum after receiving assurances from the Taoiseach.

The IFA has been threatening to call for a No vote in protest at the EU's apparent willingness to make major concessions on agriculture at world trade talks.

It said it would only support the referendum if the Government promised to veto any WTO deal that was not good for Irish farmers.

This morning, Brian Cowen contacted the organisation to say he would use Ireland's veto if an unacceptable trade deal was put to a vote.