Ireland switches to join minority in Europe opposed to GM

IRELAND is joining a group of five EU countries opposed to any use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in a move that could lead to clashes with Irish farming interests.

Environment Minister John Gormley signalled Ireland’s changed position at a meeting of his EU counterparts in Luxembourg yesterday.

And in a sign of changed Government policies, Mr Gormley met Greenpeace members who were protesting outside the meeting — but who praised him and his stance on GMOs.