Mayo IFA organises meetings over Bord Bia leadership controversy

The Mayo branch of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has announced a series of meetings with county councillors and the public to discuss growing concerns over the leadership of Bord Bia, calling for the resignation of Chairman Larry Murrin.

Mayo IFA County Chairman, John Lynskey, said the organisation believes that elected representatives are not receiving the full picture on the issue. 

“It seems that the main political parties are not being told the full truth on this matter, and IFA are asking the County Councillors to attend an open information meeting in their area,” he said.

Two meetings have been scheduled to cover the four municipal areas of the county. The first will take place on Monday, March 2, at the Park Hotel in Kiltimagh, focusing on the Ballina and Claremorris/Swinford municipal areas. 

The second will be held on Monday, March 9, at the Castlecourt Hotel in Westport, covering Castlebar and Westport/Belmullet. Both meetings are set to begin at 8pm.

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Mr Lynskey cited a recent Red C poll published in the Business Post, which showed strong public support for the removal of Mr Murrin as Bord Bia chairman. 

“Accountability is paramount, and at present farmers across the entire country have lost confidence in Bord Bia under its current chairman,” said Mr Lynskey.

He added that while the Minister for Agriculture has the authority to remove Mr Murrin, the government has not acted in line with public sentiment. 

“For whatever reason, the Minister will not do what the will of the people are demanding,” he declared.

The IFA has called on councillors to attend the meetings and engage in an open dialogue with farmers about the ongoing concerns regarding Bord Bia’s governance and leadership.

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