Farmers back Yes vote

THE IRISH Farmers’ Association (IFA) has recommended a Yes vote in next month’s referendum on the fiscal compact treaty. The Institute of Directors also supported a Yes vote yesterday, saying there was “overwhelming support” among its members for the referendum.

The fiscal compact treaty obliges member states to keep budget deficits and public debts within tight limits, in a bid to prevent a repeat of the Greek debt crisis and to protect the euro currency.

The IFA executive council met yesterday and unanimously recommended that farm families vote Yes to the treaty on May 31st.

President John Bryan said this was in the best interests of farm families, their businesses, the rural economy and the country.

He said it was a difficult time for everybody in the country, and farm families also faced serious challenges. “However, the council is clearly of the view that these and other issues must remain separate from the debate in the upcoming referendum,” he said.