THE Government was urged yesterday to use the postponement of the EU Agriculture Minister's talks to mount a major diplomatic initiative with other member-states to secure a better deal for farmers. an Mac Connell.
The talks postponement until Thursday came yesterday as farm ministers were preparing to try again to secure a reformed farm package. It emerged over the weekend that the French were very unhappy with the progress of negotiations and the lack of compensation for their own farmers.
Following the announcement from Brussels, the Irish Farmers' Association president, Mr Tom Parlon, urged the Taoiseach and the Minister for Agriculture to mount a diplomatic initiative to secure worthwhile progress for farmers.