FG accuses FF of 'doublespeak' on farming dispute

Fine Gael spokesperson on Agriculture Mr Billy Timmins said that today's "contrived" disagreement between former junior minister…

Fine Gael spokesperson on Agriculture Mr Billy Timmins said that today's "contrived" disagreement between former junior minister Mr Ned O Keeffe and Fianna Fáil backbencher Mr Sean Ardagh.

Mr Timmins said the row has done nothing to address the difficulties of farmers, adding that both TDs would be better employed using their influence with the Minister for Agriculture.

Protesting farmers have been accused by Mr Ardagh of wasting Garda resources and making a mockery of the social partnership.

However, his fellow party member, Mr O'Keeffe, TD for Cork North East, has called for the Government to consider putting a rescue package in place for farmers.

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"A few short weeks ago Ned O Keeffe actually voted for the increase in disease levies and he is now looking for that to be overturned. Sean Ardagh's advice to the IFA to involve themselves in the Fischler proposals debate is out of date by almost a year as the IFA and other farm organisations have been lobbying on the issue since last Spring," said the Fine Gael spokesman.