UFU demands Muir’s resignation over Tyrone cattle cull
A farming union has called for Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir to resign over the controversial Tyrone cattle cull.
51 cattle were shot during the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) operation near Filemiletown in June.
The department said the operation had been carried out "to execute a Court Deprivation Order on a herd belonging to a disqualified keeper, in respect of animal welfare offences".
However, major concerns have been raised about the manner in which the operation was conducted.
Cattle cull
Minister Muir has ordered an independent external review into the operation which will be carried out by former chief veterinary officer (CVO) for Ireland, Dr Martin Blake.
The Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) said that it does not have confidence in the independence of the review in its current form.
In an emergency meeting last night (Thursday, August 14), the UFU Executive also called for the immediate resignations of Permanent Secretary at DAERA, Katrina Godfrey and Northern Ireland chief veterinary officer, Brian Dooher.
UFU
In a statement, UFU president John McLenaghan said that calling for the resignations "is not a decision the UFU has taken lightly".
"However, confidence has been severely damaged and the most recent event is just one of many instances where farmers feel that the department has lost touch with farmers.
"Serious concerns have been raised regarding the independence of the review, its terms of reference and lack of specialist panel appointed.
"In the view of our union, the process as it currently stands does not provide the level of independence and confidence that farmers deserve," he said.
McLenaghan added: "The UFU’s position is clear. We no longer have confidence that the department can deliver."
DAERA
A DAERA spokesperson told Agriland that Minister Muir and the department are aware of the decision taken by the Ulster Farmers' Union.
"An external independent review is already underway to review the action taken by department officials in response to the Deprivation Order in Fivemiletown.
"There are many strategic issues and challenges for agriculture. It is vital we face up to those challenges together to restore our environment and ensure a sustainable future for agriculture.
"The department’s door will remain open to engage with all including the UFU," they added.
