Farmer to take action against three politicians for damage to GM crop

Confrontation over genetically modified food may be about to take a new course in Ireland as a Co Wexford beet farmer is pursuing a legal action against Green MEP Ms Nuala Ahern and two TDs - known opponents of the controversial technology - alleging damage to his crops and trespass.

The Green Party environment spokesman, Mr John Gormley TD and Mr Joe Higgins (Ind), among others, are the subject of a complaint to gardai by Mr Martin Foley of Arthurstown, near New Ross, who is carrying out a trial on genetically modified (GM) sugar beet for the US multinational Monsanto.

The three public representatives examined the plot at Hilltop, Ballyhack, on June 21st last, some days after it had been damaged by other opponents of GM crops. The politicians had been at a protest meeting in Arthurstown.

Mr Foley confirmed he has made a complaint recently about those who entered his property that day, and alleged they "caused damage by walking through my crops".

A Garda spokesman said this was the subject of investigation and a file would be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions soon. The allegation of crop damage was the focus of the investigation, he added. Alleged trespass may have to be the subject of civil proceedings.

A separate file would be sent on damage caused on the site in the week prior to June 21st, and believed to be caused by the self-styled Gaelic Earth Liberation Front. It admitted responsibility for an attack on another trial site in Carlow last September.

According to two of about 30 protesters present on June 21st, the trial crop was "already wrecked" when they visited the plot, though a small number got under a wire surrounding it and pulled up some plants which are genetically altered to resist the Monsanto herbicide Round-Up. The MEP and two TDs, however, had not encroached on the plot.

Mr Gormley said it "would not be appropriate to comment now", but a Green Party spokesman said "none of the politicians were involved in anything that could be considered criminal damage". There was nonetheless, a question of environmental justice, Ms Ahern said. "We fully understand those who feel let down by the legislative and regulatory process in this country," she added.

Mr Higgins said: "I was making a peaceful protest against genetic engineering, which I believe is a massively sinister development that should be outlawed. If prosecuted, I will defend it fully."