In an unprecedented move, the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has called for the resignation of three key leadership figures within DAERA.

During a meeting of the UFU’s executive committee last Thursday, a vote was passed which called on Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir, permanent secretary Katrina Godfrey and chief vet Brian Dooher to go.

It stems from the decision by DAERA to cull 51 cattle outside Fivemiletown at the end of June after a farmer had been convicted of various offences relating to animal welfare and failure to dispose of dead cattle.

ADVERTISEMENT

The fall-out from the cull led to former Irish chief vet, Dr Martin Blake, being appointed to undertake an external review of the events.

However, the UFU said it does not have confidence in the independence of the review and instead wants a panel of experts, including legal and farming representatives, to “provide greater balance, fairness and confidence in the process.”

UFU president John McLenaghan said the decision to call for the three resignations at the top of DAERA was “not a decision the UFU has taken lightly”.

He added that confidence in DAERA has been severely damaged and it is just one of many instances where farmers feel the department has lost touch with those on the ground.