Fine Gael used to be known as the farmers' party but those days are well over.

Sentiment score: 0.60

Its MEPs voted against farmers last week in Strasbourg. Today, its Minister for agriculture, Deputy Heydon, when I asked him whether he would use his office to stop Mercosur from being implemented before the European courts make a decision, he stated that he would not and that it was another Department's responsibility.

Sentiment score: -0.15

The Government also refused to hold Bord Bia and its chairperson, Larry Murrin, to account. He has the job of promoting Irish food and I understand he is paid just under €200,000 to do it. Instead of that, he is actually importing Brazilian beef. This is a conflict of interest and the fact that the Government’s judgment does not understand that shows it is compromised on this. It is, "Do what I say, not what I do". One third of farmers at the moment are living off the farm. One third are only living off the farm because someone from that farm is working off the farm. One third of farmers are in poverty or going into debt. Every year, the number of farmers is falling in this country. Will the Government listen to the farmers for a change and do as they ask and remove Larry Murrin?

Sentiment score: -0.05

Exactly. The Minister said he would not do it.

Sentiment score: 0.00

No. There is no misrepresentation here at all.

Sentiment score: -0.47

The Minister said exactly the same thing to me this morning. He said that it is not his responsibility.

Sentiment score: 0.00

I want the Minister to withdraw the allegation that there was any misrepresentation of his view today.

Sentiment score: -0.40

Can the Minister withdraw the allegation as false?

Sentiment score: 0.00

No.

Sentiment score: -0.30

Will the Minister withdraw the allegation that is incorrect?

Sentiment score: 0.00

They are the ones who are-----

Sentiment score: 0.00

The Minister is doing a disservice here.

Sentiment score: 0.00