UFU extends vote of no confidence and calls for resignations
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has reaffirmed its vote of no confidence in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and extended it to Minister Andrew Muir, Permanent Secretary Katrina Godfrey and Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher, calling for their immediate resignations.
The decision was reached during an emergency meeting of the UFU Executive, having considered the information currently available. The UFU has concluded that it does not have the confidence in the independence of the review as presently constituted, including the scope of the Terms of Reference and appointment of a single person to conduct it.
The UFU has consistently maintained that an investigation into an incident of this seriousness must be demonstrably independent, robust and capable of commanding the confidence of farm families and the wider public.
UFU President John McLenaghan said, “This 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.”
“Independence cannot just be simply stated, it must be evident in how a review is established, who conducts it, what they are empowered to investigate and whether they are able to follow the evidence wherever it leads.”
Mr McLenaghan continued, “The UFU’s position is clear. We no longer have confidence that the Department can deliver.”
The UFU will continue to press for an independent, transparent, and public review of the Fivemiletown operation.
