There was major traffic disruption today as farmers drove tractors and machinery through many cities and towns over plans to change the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy. Thousands of farmers took part in demonstrations in 28 county towns throughout Ireland to highlight what farmers say are the dangers to Ireland from the new reforms.
The IFA claims the reforms will cut farm incomes here by £260 million per year and damage the rural economy, with threats to farm livelihoods and industrial jobs. The reforms are thought likely to be finalised in Brussels next week. Irish Farmers' Association leader Tom Parlon has called on the Minister for Agriculture, Joe Walsh, not to sell Irish farmers down the drain at next week's crucial negotiations in Brussels. Mr Parlon was speaking in Tullamore this afternoon.
