South Tipperary County Councillors have joined their North Tipp colleagues in giving a
resounding backing to the IFA.
South Tipp IFA Chairman TJ Maher addressed yesterday's meeting of the council, asking
for support for an IFA motion. The motion is calling on the Ministers for Agriculture and Foreign Affairs
and the Taoiseach to assert Ireland's vital national interest at the highest level in Europe by rejecting
Peter Mandelson's concessions.
The IFA estimates that cuts by the EU Trade Commissioner will result in a drop of €196 million in the
value of farm output, with a potential loss of 2, 750 Tipperary farm livelihoods and is approaching all
county councils for support.
TJ Maher was met with widespread support, although a number of councillors hoped the issue could be resolved without farmers opting to push for a NO vote in the upcoming Lisbon Treaty.
Councillor Derry Foley formerly proposed the backing of the IFA motion as currently worded.
Last month North Tipperary County Councillors voted to back the same motion.
9/8/08 AMcG