Tánaiste faces protesting farmers at party think-in

Micheál Martin conceded that dairy farmers will 'bear the brunt' of the EU nitrates derogation, but said that compensation was not being considered

Tanaiste Micheál Martin and Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue speaking to angry farmers from West Cork at the IFA protest. Pictures: John D Kelly

Supports for farmers hit by the nitrates derogation will be examined, Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said after a meeting with protesters.

There were heated interactions when Micheál Martin and Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue came out to speak to farmers who parked tractors and mounted a day-long picket outside Fianna Fáil's think-in.