Waterford councillors call for resignation of Bord Bia chair over Brazilian beef scandal

Waterford councillors have passed a motion calling for the resignation of Bord Bia chairman Larry Murrin.

The motion was passed in the presence of a number of Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) members at the February plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council.

The IFA have held a number of protests in recent weeks after it emerged that Mr Murrin’s company, Dawn Farms, is importing Brazilian beef.

The organisation claims that this represents a conflict of interest, given Bord Bia’s role in promoting Irish produce.

The motion was proposed by Fianna Fáil councillor Tom Cronin, who himself is a farmer.

READ NEXT: Waterford residents increasingly concerned by levels of anti-social behaviour

Cllr Cronin welcomed the members of the IFA to the meeting and said it was “unfortunate that it has come to this”.

He emphasised the standards that Bord Bia farmers have to live up to, which he described as “second to none”.

Sinn Féin councillor Kate O’Mahoney seconded the motion and highlighted the importance of Bord Bia and Ireland’s agricultural industry.

She said that Mr Murrin has lost the confidence of Irish farmers and “confidence once damaged is not easily restored and decisive action is required”.

Labour councillor Thomas Phelan praised the “professional meeting” which IFA members had held with local representatives two days before the council meeting.

Fine Gael councillor Liam Brazil highlighted the alleged conflict of interest, saying he didn’t think it was right.

However, his party colleague, Cllr Pat Nugent, said he believed that there is no conflict of interest but that the issue is about the perception of Bord Bia as a standard bearer.

Sinn Féin councillor Pat Fitzgerald commended the representatives in attendance, adding that the “quality of Irish food across the world is at stake”.

Meanwhile, his party colleague, Cllr Pat Hearne, who himself is a fisherman, compared the plight of the agricultural and fishing industries.

Addressing the farmers, Cllr Hearne said: “If you don’t take a stand now, you’re absolutely lost.”

After a number of other councillors highlighted their support for the farmers, the motion was due to be passed by a show of hands.

This usually suffices in cases where the overwhelming majority of councillors are in support of a motion.

However, a number of Sinn Féin councillors took issue with this method of voting, and called for a roll call to take place instead.

After some deliberation, Mayor Seamus Ryan eventually decided that a roll call would take place.

A total of 29 councillors voted in favour of the motion. Independent councillor Declan Barry abstained while Fianna Fáil councillor Jason Murphy was the only councillor to vote against the motion.

Cllr Murphy’s vote was significant in that he voted in opposition to his party colleagues. His party leader, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, has made his support for Mr Murrin clear in recent weeks.

Notably, all of the Fine Gael councillors present voted in favour of the motion, despite support for the Bord Bia chair being echoed by their party leader, Tánaiste Simon Harris.