On the face of it, last night's sensational developments which saw the resignation of the IFA President, Mr Tom Parlon and virtually the entire council of the IFA, represent a serious setback for an organisation which has wielded a considerable influence in this society for a generation and more.
There was speculation however, that the resignations were no more than a manoeuvre which could allow the organisation to avoid the full weight of yesterday's High Court ruling. Mr Justice O'Donovan imposed a staggering fine of £500,000 per day on the IFA for each day that the current illegal blockade of the meat plants continues. The organisation is already liable for another £500,000 in fines as a result of an earlier ruling by the High Court last week.
While the motivation for last night's dramatic resignations remains confused, it does seem that the IFA - for so long such a power in this land - has been damaged by this dispute. The organisation is open to the charge that it has been the author of its own misfortune. Like the Grand Old Duke of York, it marched its troops up the hill but, after yesterday's High Court ruling, there is no stomach for a further battle. From what can be gauged, most members of the 87-member council were anxious to lift the blockade and obey the law. In truth, they had little option. Mr Justice O'Donovan, in his High Court ruling, made it abundantly clear that he would not countenance any further infringement of the law. With a view to the sequestration of assets, the court appointed an accountant to examine the association's financial affairs.
While the ruling appears to have concentrated the minds of most members of the national council, it appears that some made the case for continuing theblockade in open defiance of the law. If so, they are guilty of a very serious error of judgment. No grouping, no matter how powerful and well connected, can view itself as above the law.
The irony is that the farmers have a strong, justifiable case which has considerable public support. It is clear that beef farmers have been badly treated by the processors who have faced constant claims that they are operating a cartel. This has been vigorously denied by the Irish Meat Association but the charge levelled yesterday by the Labour leader, Mr Ruairi Quinn, that the normal disciplines of the market do not appear to apply in the beef trade, has considerable merit. Beef farmers receive about 84 per lb, well below the 90p per lb required to ensure viability - and the second lowest price in the EU. It is clear that the beef market, which produces very sizeable profits for the processors, does not operate in the interests of the farmers or indeed of consumers. Yet the Government has made no serious effort to reform it even after the Beef Tribunal and the Beef Task Force exposed some of its shortcomings.
The IFA could have consolidated public support by making its case in a calm and measured way. Instead, it opted for a high-profile blockade, broke the law and appeared ready to continue to defy it until the High Court left it with no option. This hardly smacks of a carefully considered strategy.