Hundreds of farmers back call for new Bord Bia chair at crowded Mayo meeting

A meeting, organised by the IFA, held last night at the McWilliam Park Hotel in Claremorris, heard calls for Larry Murrin to step down as chair of semi-State agency, Bord Bia.

According to the IFA, over 700 farmers in attendance raised their arms in support of the ongoing protest at Bord Bia’s headquarters in Dublin and the demand for a new chair to restore confidence in the organisation.

Farmers involved in the campaign have argued that because Dawn Farms, the company Mr Murrin is associated with, has imported Brazilian beef for use in its products, this presents a conflict of interest given Bord Bia’s role in promoting Irish food. 

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Since January 26, protests have been ongoing outside Bord Bia’s Dublin offices, seeking Mr Murrin’s removal. In addition to the protest outside the building, five IFA members are staging a sit-in inside the headquarters.

The five protestors joined the Claremorris meeting via video link, prompting loud applause and cheers from the floor.

Among those in attendance were IFA President Francie Gorman and Deputy President Alice Doyle, as well as public representatives including Independent Ireland TD Michael Fitzmaurice.

Also in attendance, Sinn Féin TD for Mayo Rose Conway-Walsh said the message from the packed meeting was clear. She said the unanimous show of hands demonstrated that “Larry Murrin has to go – no more double standards,” adding that she was joined at the meeting by party colleague Louis O'Hara and Cllr Gerry Murray.

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The Government has continued to back Mr Murrin, stating that he has done nothing wrong.