IFA supports Yes vote after Cowen backs down

The IFA is to recommend a Yes vote in the Lisbon Treaty referendum following a last-minute pledge by the Taoiseach to veto any world trade deal that is bad for Irish farmers.

The organisation’s 85,000 members had been due to reject the Treaty but president Padraic Walsh is now expected to urge full support for the national vote on June 12.

The 52-member IFA Executive Council came to a unanimous decision to support a Yes vote.

“The Taoiseach today assured the IFA that he was prepared to use the veto if a deal that is unacceptable to Ireland is put to a vote,” said a Government spokeswoman.

The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association decided on Sunday to recommend a Yes vote to its members.

Padraic Walshe said today's signal from the Taoiseach should cause EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson to 'rethink his strategy' on agriculture, but said Mr Cowen himself would have to explain the reasoning for his stance.