Madam, - I note that IFA president Padraig Walsh says the Government's nitrates regulations would damage "our best farmers". It would greatly interest me to know what criteria Mr Walsh applies when designating our most intensive farmers and heaviest users of fertiliser as our best farmers.
In my humble view those farmers who farm successfully using the least fertiliser and consequently cause the least damage to our food, water and countryside should be termed the best farmers. - Is mise,
MICHAEL HICKEY, Gortrua, New Inn, Co Tipperary.