1,000 tractors hit road in farm protest

ALL roads led to Dublin yesterday as farmers began their protest drive to the capital in a dispute with the Government over low incomes.

Farmers put 1,000 tractors on the country’s roads for the start of the IFA’s five-day family farm survival campaign. Tractors left Bantry, Ballina, Castlebar and Tralee on the first day of the campaign, which the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association is also supporting. The protest will culminate in a rally outside Government Buildings on Friday.

Fisherman and farmers are considering forming a rural alliance to safeguard their livelihoods. Leaders of the IFA and the Irish South and West Fishermen’s Organisation discussed the development of a close relationship in defence of rural and coastal communities yesterday.

After a two-hour meeting in Castletownbere, Co Cork, they said agriculture and fishing were the country’s primary resources and needed greater Government commitment to ensure a viable future for communities depending on these sectors.

IFA president John Dillon said: “A strong alliance between fishermen and farmers will bring home to Government the importance of both sectors to the rural economy.”

Irish South and West Fishermen’s Organisation manager Jason Whooley said it was crucial both sectors build on the meeting in developing an alliance on national and EU issues.

Mr Dillon said: “There is a massive determination among farmers on the ground that the Government must sit up and take action to address the income crisis in farming.”

Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh reiterated the Government’s commitment to the future of agriculture. He has also rejected IFA claims that the Government had neglected farming.

Nearly 350 tractors drove past Mr Walsh’s home in Clonakilty, Co Cork, as part of the protest. He was away in Dublin on official business.