Counter motion stymies Bord Bia proposal

The original motion, tabled by Cllr Shaun Cunniffe (Ind Ire), sought Mr Murrin’s resignation. However, a counter motion from Cllr Jimmy McClearn (FG) – which made no reference to resignation – was accepted instead.

In what appeared to be a silent protest, Independent Ireland councillors refused to respond when asked to vote, and officials recorded their silence as abstentions.

“It’s a wrecking motion,” said Cllr Cunniffe. “Our silence is no disrespect to the Chief Executive. The controlling group should not be allowed to wreck motions.”

Cllr Cunniffe said members of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) had urged them to bring the motion forward at a recent meeting in Claremorris while Cllr Noel Thomas (Ind Ire) said the process had been mishandled.

“I don’t recognise the process,” he said.

“That wasn’t a counter motion. Our motion should have been dealt with first.”

He said farmers were not seeking concessions but believed Mr Murrin should step aside because of “double standards”.

“It’s nothing personal, but the Chairman has to uphold standards for Irish food,” he said.

The chamber heard that IFA members have been protesting outside Bord Bia’s Dublin offices for several weeks, calling for Mr Murrin to step aside over his dual role as Chairman of Bord Bia and CEO of Dawn Farm Foods, which imported Brazilian beef and chicken.

Fianna Fáil councillor Gerry Finnerty (FF) said Chairman Larry Murrin had been “scapegoated” and argued that “not one cent will be gained by the farmer” if he resigns.

The debate shifted to CAP and LEADER funding beyond 2027 amid possible EU changes, with Cllr Andrew Reddington (FG) stressing the need to safeguard both supports.

Concerns were also raised about Bord Bia’s inspection regime. Cllr Mary Hoade (FF) highlighted the issue, while Cllr McClearn (FG) said that “this nonsense can’t go on”.

Cllr Dermot Connolly (SF) said he “knows all about” farm inspections, while Cllr Martina Kinane (FF) suggested it may be “a bit late to oust anyone”, asking “if the rot has started, where does it go from there?”

Issues of traceability and honesty were central to the row, according to Cllr Declan Geraghty (Ind Ire), who said that “we have been codded”.

Referencing IFA President Francie Gorman, Cllr Tom Welby (Ind) said the first “meaningful dialogue” on the issue had only taken place this month.

Cllr Cillian Keane (FF), who studied Agricultural Science at UCD, noted that “there are two sides. We either believe in free trade or we don’t”.

Describing the situation as “a mess”, Cllr Michael Connolly (FF) said farmers have been “put through the hoops and a lot of damage has been done”.

Councillors voted in favour of Cllr McClearn’s counter motion.