An attempt was made yesterday to set up negotiations in the Co Waterford eviction case although members of the IFA stepped up their protest against the Irish Nationwide Building Society.
More than a dozen farmers occupied the public office of the society at Arundel Square, Waterford, for over an hour yesterday in support of the Murphy family who were evicted from their farm at Whitestown, Clonea Power, last Wednesday.
Mr Billy Murphy was among the group, and his uncle, Mr Gerry Murphy, who is a prominent local IFA member, claimed the action was justified because agents of the society remained in occupation of the family home. He described the action as a token objection to what the society was doing, and said the protesters had not broken the law or obstructed business.
After discussions with the office manager, gardai intervened and began to take names and addresses of the protesters, but at this point they left the premises.
The IFA president, Mr John Donnelly, again demanded yesterday that the Irish Nationwide let Mrs Ann Murphy and her family re-enter their property. This would allow constructive discussions to take place "in a less charged atmosphere", he said.
The ICMSA president, Mr Frank Allen, also called for this and said he had written to the Irish Nationwide.
He offered himself as a mediator in the dispute.
Meanwhile, Irish Nationwide sources revealed yesterday that representatives from both sides have been in contact, and said a meeting was expected to be held soon.
The sources described the farmers' sit-in as unhelpful.
It is believed the balance outstanding, as claimed by the society, is over £198,000 including surcharges and legal costs. Murphy family representatives have argued that over £90,000 of that is made up of unjustified and excessive charges on arrears.
One representative commented: "The Murphys are quite prepared to repay their legitimate debt. But the amount being stated as legitimate is grossly overstated.".
An IFA spokesman said it believed it had a mandate to speak on behalf of the family.